Labour invests £1/3million extra in borough

The East of England Development Agency has backed Broxbourne opposition councillors' plans with a major investment in one of the county's most neglected areas, in Waltham Cross. The Holdbrook estate is set to benefit from £350,000 of funding.

Cllr Malcolm Aitken (Labour, Waltham Cross) said:

"I am absolutely delighted that, after many years of campaigning, we have been able to secure funding for this project. It was heartbreaking seeing the old school building left derelict for so long but finally we are starting to see progress with this innovative scheme.

"It has been one of my top priorities to get more places for local youngsters, getting them off the street, out of trouble and into education, training or work. This project will go a long way to achieving that.

"This is set to be a tremendous step forward towards revitalising a very neglected neighbourhood. My only regret is that Broxbourne Council had allowed this area of Waltham Cross to decline in the first place."

The £350,000 "New Holdbrook Open Space" funding application was put to the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) as part of the government's Investing in Communities initiative.

The bid was supported by local councillors, Holdbrook School, Hertford Regional College, Herts Groundwork Trust, local housing associations and Broxbourne CAB. Broxbourne Council has promised £70,000 as a contribution to the project.

Proposed improvements include:

• provision of new youth diversionary facilities and open space at the core of the estate
• improved public spaces, a better visual gateway and enhanced street scene around the shopping precinct and estate
• provision of community accommodation providing community meeting, life long learning and advisory services.

Report filed 16/02/2007

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