A better town following the floods

Wearing my Civic Trust hat I’ve been rather busy promoting the potential opportunities for improvement to the built environment the floods of the 19th November have provided. The effort has been somewhat more time consuming than I’d anticipated but to miss the chance of a lifetime to dramatically improve the architectural heritage of Cockermouth would be inexcusable.

The task to enthuse and bring together all parties from businesses to statutory authorities is not an easy one but it has been achieved and everyone involved is of the same mind I am – Cockermouth can and will be a better place.

The stage we are at now has moved from a desire to the first stages of actually achieving the goals set. Red Raven has been commissioned to replace the existing shop front of 29 Main Street improving the presence for Strolling4Shoes when they return in early spring, and probably the most criticised shop front – that of Mills - is to be replaced with something a lot more in keeping. RR is not involved in the design but through the Civic Trust I am one of the consultees involved through the planning process. Other shops are also in the process of contemplating replacing their not-so-great street presence.

This is all obviously not cheap but the efforts of the committee/team (chaired by me!) have managed to secure some grant aid which can be used to top up insurance claims and allow something better to be built. I hope we can secure more money and help and to that end the regeneration committee made up of councillors, planners, building control officers, local architects, the Chamber of Trade etc have had several successful meetings with those that, if cannot directly contribute, can influence those that can. At the risk of being accused of name dropping (and also giving a laugh to those that know me) Prince Charles is one of those who is involved along with advisors with post-Katrina experience and some other influential individuals.

All in all things look good for the future.

An exhibition of shop fronts new, old, possibles and proposed is to open on 21st December (2-6.00pm) for local businesses and then to the public from 22nd at Christ Church, South Street.