One million pounds will be set aside to improve community areas across Stevenage over the coming years.

Play equipment will be renewed, signs and benches replaced and damaged footpaths, shrub beds and walls repaired.

Stevenage Borough Council has promised to splash the cash as part of its neighbourhood project which will see council staff work closely with people who live in the town to make the much-needed improvements.

The project was officially launched at the town’s annual celebration, Stevenage Day, last Sunday.

Shrub beds have already been removed or replaced in Pin Green and Shephall, 175 bins are being replaced, and signs and noticeboards in parks, woodlands and commons are being updated with better information.

Also underway are improvements to play areas, which have been suggested by the children who use them.

Councillor Simon Speller, the council’s executive member for neighbourhoods and co-operative council, said: “Stevenage is a great place to live and most people are happy with their local area.

“By working together co-operatively we can help keep our neighbourhoods looking good well into the future.

“People who live in each neighbourhood are best placed to tell us what they want and need in the area, and I know that many of them are happy to get involved – whether it’s coming up with ideas, planning events, or getting on with some gardening or litter-picking.”

It comes as the council is making improvements to flower beds and pedestrianised areas in the town centre as an interim measure as it plans to officially begin the regeneration.

The council hopes to announce a developer in the autumn to begin a complete revamp of the central SG1 area which will involve new flats and accommodation, council offices, civic offices, a library, shops, restaurants, bars, flats and a new park.

Meanwhile, after being re-elected for a third term on June 8, the town’s MP Stephen McPartland told the Comet he will continue to favour an alternative scheme, which he says focuses more on retail and has the backing of central government.

If you spot anything in your neighbourhood that needs improving, you can report it to the council online here