HORNCHURCH residents will be asked for their views on a planned overhaul of streets and pavements in and around High Street from this weekend.

Two different proposals have been suggested by Transport for London (TfL) and Havering Council for improvements.

Designs will be available for residents to view on Saturday (November 6) from 10am-2pm in the Fatlin and Firkin pub garden in High Street,

Staff are available to answer questions.

The designs then move to an unmanned display in Hornchurch Library on Monday (November 8) from 10am-10pm; Tuesday to Friday (November 9-12) from 9am-10pm; and Saturday, (November 13) from 9am-8pm.

Both options aim to improve the traffic flow, pedestrian access, lighting and greenery.

There are also proposed changes to the outside of Hornchurch Station, including tree

planting, better seating, cycle parking and a town centre map.

Some of the improvements will be completed by Spring 2011 with others looking to be delivered in 2011-2012, and others likely to be undertaken

in the next five to 10 years.

Cllr Andrew Curtin, cabinet member for towns and communities with special responsibility for culture, said: “Hornchurch High Street forms an important link between two key conservation areas in Hornchurch, at St Andrew’s Church and Langtons.

“Improvements to the High Street give us the opportunity to improve the visual

appeal of the village at the historic heart of Havering, as well as making it easier to shop in, move about in and live in.

“I am looking forward to hearing residents’ views of the ideas proposed.”

Cllr Robert Benham, cabinet member who has responsibility for regeneration, said: “The key aims of the Hornchurch High Street scheme is to make it safer for residents and shoppers by making it clear and installing new wider traffic light-controlled crossings and a 20mph zone from Billet Lane to North Street.

“It is also proposed to make the high street more green and eye-catching, by installing trees and flowerbeds which will compliment the history and heritage of Hornchurch.

“Another aim is that the scheme will attract even more people to the high street,

which will increase trade for local shops and businesses in the area.

“I encourage residents to come along to the exhibition, to see the proposed plans

and give their views and comments about the schemes.”

lOption 1:

Proposes having more trees and plants, removing railings and decluttering the pavements, some short term loading and parking bays created,

larger bus laybys so buses stopping do not affect traffic flow, removing one lane of vehicles eastbound from North Street to the White Hart roundabout and replacing it with wide tree-lined pavements, replacing the traffic light pedestrian crossing on the White Hart roundabout with two zebra crossings, moving the High Street traffic light-controlled crossing closer to North Street, a new wider traffic light-controlledcrossing outside the Firkin pub, and possibly changing the space outside the Firkin after consulting landowners.

lOption 2:

This also has the White Hart roundabout crossings mentioned above, but also has improved cycle routes, a new traffic light-controlled junction where

North Street meets High Street, new surfacing and a 20mph zone from Billet Lane to North Street, a continual crossing ‘strip’ with wide central reservation in HighStreet, tree planting and greenery, losing some large trees to allow for the crossing ‘strip’, and an off-road loading bay for High Street but no short-term parking there.