Calls for something ‘fresh’ in Horsham’s Bishopric

JPCT 171014 S14440537x Bishopric plans on display -photo by Steve Cobb SUS-141017-140236001

Helena Croft (Con, Roffey North) said it was time to see something ‘new’ and ‘more pleasant’ at a public exhibition last week where plans, created by the council, went on display showcasing what the area could look like in the future.

Mrs Croft said: “It has not been touched for 20 years and has stood the test of time but it’s time for something fresh.

“The work with John Lewis in the Bishopric has been a trigger behind this as we really want to encourage more people to come into the town.

“It is time for something new and people are seeing here what we can do to make it a more pleasant area.”

The council hosted an open exhibition in the town last week where members of the public were invited to give their feedback on the future of the Bishopric.

The plans featured a whole host of ideas with some including the controversial Shelley Fountain and others scrapping the monument altogether and replacing it with something new.

“We have had lots of concerns about the fountain,” Mrs Croft said. “We put it in as an option to find out what people thought but many people have said they are looking for something fresh. What is important for me is that there is still a meeting place and there is something there for people.”

As well as the future of the fountain the plans also revealed an idea behind a new front entrance to the area to try and attract more people to the town centre.

But Mrs Croft stressed that the decision will not be made on the future of the Bishopric until the new year and the council still want to hear what people think.

“None of the plans are set in stone,” she said. “These are just ideas on what the Bishopric could look like. We have been getting lots of positive feedback and people are giving us lots of different ideas. We really want to hear what people think and feel about it.”

The plans are now be on display in Swan Walk Shopping Centre, outside Wilkinson, until October 28.

You can also leave feedback or review the proposals on the Horsham District Council’s website at http://www.horsham.gov.uk/enhancing-bishopric.