A major drive has been launched to improve Northampton town centre.
Northampton Borough Council has joined up with Northamptonshire County Council and the town’s business leaders to announce a range of initiatives to attract more people into the town and encourage them to stay longer.
The plan will see free wi-fi launched across the town centre and a trial of both free parking on Saturdays and two hours free parking during the week.
The leader of the borough council, Councillor David Mackintosh (Con, Rectory Farm) said: “Parking is something we know is very important to town centre businesses.
“That’s why we’re looking to introduce more free parking and more pay-on-exit car parks.”
The scheme will also see public consultation carried out on whether the middle section of Abington Street should be re-opened to traffic, pay-on-exit parking introduced at the Grosvenor Centre and electronic signs installed across the town directing drivers to car parks which have spaces.
Landlords of empty shops will also be encouraged to fill them, dedicated spots will be created for buskers and an action plan will be draw up to deal with problems caused by street-drinkers and beggars.
The leader of the county council, Councillor Jim Harker (Con, Ise) said: “This is a really exciting initiative and a real opportunity to improve Northampton town centre.”
The public will also be asked for their views on the future of the town’s Market Square fountain, which is currently switched off.
They will be asked if the fountain, which needs an estimated £50,000 of repairs, should be turned back on.
The new parking signs and pay-on-exit system at the Grosvenor Centre are due to be in place before Christmas.
Public consultation on the reopening of Abington Street will start in the next few weeks and the trial of free Saturday parking in the St John’s, St Michael’s and Mayorhold multi-storey car parks will be carried out in August.