Hackbridge gets green grant (From Your Local Guardian)

Hackbridge gets green grant

8:00am Sunday 29th January 2012 in Sutton By Sophia Sleigh

Hackbridge gets green grant

Hackbridge has won funding to create a super-green high street.

The sustainable suburb was granted £834,939 from the Mayor of London which will be matched by Sutton Council to total almost £1.2m.

The money will be used to help shops to create jobs, stock local produce and link the high street with green spaces.

The programme is being co-ordinated by BioRegional which helped to establish the BedZED eco-village in Hackbridge.

Simon Courage from BioRegional said they were delighted by the money and would use the funding to take their vision to the high street.

He also said they plan to introduce new green corridors linking the high street to the River Wandle and local parks.

The high street is cut in two by heavy traffic, few people stop to shop and local trading estates are closing. The surrounding streets contain pockets of deprivation.

The funding will help local shops become more energy and water efficient and improve their internal layouts and frontages.

Business development consultants will help the companies identify new business opportunities.

Councillor Jayne McCoy, executive member for planning, economic development and housing at Sutton Council said: “This is a major boost for the borough and people in Hackbridge will be delighted that the bid has been successful.

“We have worked closely with local communities and local businesses. The scheme will make a real difference to the area and attract new investment.”