Galleywood Gathering to Celebrate New-Look Concourse
30/5/06
Ref pr0088
On Thursday lst June 2006, Galleywood Parish Councillors, shop keepers and tenants are getting together with Essex housing association, Chelmer Housing Partnership, to celebrate the refurbishment of the concourse in Galleywood’s main shopping area in Watchouse Road.
John Turkentine, Chairman of Galleywood Parish Council and Martin Dean, Chairman of Chelmer Housing Partnership will jointly ‘cut the ribbon’ to signal the official opening of the face-lifted area.
The concourse now includes new shrubs funded by CHP, and planted amongst the existing trees; block paving and low wall outside the library - designed by the Parish Council, laid and funded by CHP; three new bench seats jointly funded by CHP and the council; and a new Parish Council notice board located at the library. Galleywood Parish Council has a reputation for caring about Village amenities, employing litter-pickers and a gardener who also tends the newly replanted area. The seats in this attractive setting are much appreciated by Parishioners who are able to sit and ‘pass the time of day’ during visits to the shops and library.
The impetus for improvements came from the Parish Council and Chelmer Housing Partnership who came together to discuss ideas and decide on funding. Chelmer Housing has an ongoing Environmental Improvement strategy and uses a ‘Quality of Life’ team to interact with its residents. Residents formed into Area Forums come up with Action Plans on how the environment can be improved for the benefit of the wider community
John Turkentine, Chairman of Galleywood Parish Council says: ‘We have a reputation to keep up. Galleywood was winner of ‘Essex Best Kept Village’ Competition in 2004 run by the Rural Community Council of Essex. There was a need for a bit of a tidy up in the concourse and we wanted to provide amenities that would benefit both residents and shop owners. The council is immensely grateful to Chelmer Housing Partnership for its input into the planning and execution of all the improvements.
Martin Dean, Chairman of CHP says: “We’re proud to have supported these improvements which demonstrate our real commitment to invest in the area for the benefit of local residents using these important facilities.”
ENDS
Editor's Notes:
- Members of the press are welcome to attend. The ceremony begins at 1pm and light refreshments will be served.
- Press contact for further information: Victoria Norton on 01245 613111, 07709334403, email: Victoria.norton@chelmerhp.org.uk
- Watchouse Road shops were built in 1960, and the Library in 1968 on what was once the site of Pymmes Farm.
