Barnet to spend £3.5m improving roads and pavements

Roads and pavements in Barnet are to be improved as part of a £4.5 million set of measures.

Barnet Council cabinet ratified the measures on Wednesday (June 20th) and it means the local community can expect to see the area cleaned up. This could make it more desirable to anyone looking for property to rent in Barnet.

The move was taken after a residents' perception survey discovered the top concern was the quality of roads and pavements in the borough. The £3.5 million that is to be handed over to deal with this problem is on top of £3 million already earmarked for the area in capital funding.

Richard Cornelius, leader of Barnet Council, said: "Our residents have told us that improving the condition of the borough's road and pavements is a top priority. The bad weather over the past few winters has damaged our roads and pavements and we need to fix them while we can. We are investing in the future of our borough through helping our young people and fixing our roads and pavements."

There will also be money to support young residents not in employment, education or training through the Barnet Skills, Employment and Enterprise Action Plan. It is aimed at 16 to 24-year-olds and will see businesses offered financial assistance if they take on an apprentice or intern.

It is hoped the policy will give unemployed people a taste of the working world and help them get some experience under their belt.

Residents have also been encouraged to apply for money in the second round of the Big Society funding process. It means anyone who has a great idea that will address local challenges could receive money from the scheme in order to implement it.

In 2011, seven applications were successful - each receiving between £500 and £50,000 - to help them progress with their ideas. The purpose of the initiative is to try and create positive change in the borough. 

Posted by Andy Britten

Published 22nd June, 2012

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