Finance for four community projects
Four new community projects in the St Albans District are to be funded in part by contributions from property developers. Around £35,000 will go towards improvements to the Colney Heath section of the Alban Way cycling and walking trail.
These include the restoration of the historic Smallford rail station ticket office, new interpretation boards and improved access routes.
Two more play areas are to be revamped with £29,000 going to Marquis Lane in Harpenden East and £2,500 to Camp, in the Cunningham ward of St Albans. Jersey Farm Woodland Park, in Marshalswick North, St Albans, has been awarded £1,000 for leaflet holders to be installed at key locations.
The money comes from Section 106 (S106) planning obligations. These are payments made by developers in recognition that a rise in population caused by new homes leads to more demand for community infrastructure.
Details of the S106 contributions were given to a meeting of St Albans City and District Council’s Cabinet on Thursday 16 March.
Among other schemes to benefit are the transformation of the Town Hall into a new Museum and Art Gallery and the creation of a new leisure centre in Harpenden.
Decisions are yet to be taken over the allocation of S106 sums in several of the Council’s wards. St Peters has £122,000 to spend, London Colney has almost £85,000 and Wheathampstead has £20,000. Council officers work with District and Parish Councillors for these wards to identify suitable community projects.
Councillor Daniel Chichester-Miles, the Council’s Portfolio Holder for the Environment, said: “S106 money is making a substantial difference to communities throughout the District.
“These four new projects, including major work on the Alban Way, are further proof of that.
“We are intent on making the best possible use of this money by working with the local Councillors who know their areas.”
Councillor contact:
Cllr Daniel Chichester-Miles, Portfolio Holder for the Environment, St Albans City and District Council
Tel 01727 819281 Email: Cllr.D.Chichester-Miles@stalbans.gov.uk
Contact for the media:
John McJannet, Principal Communications Officer, St Albans City and District Council
Tel: 01727 296130
E-mail: john.mcjannet@stalbans.gov.uk