Controversial Crawley £550k parade revamp completed

The work includes repaving, new canopies and lighting, Improvements to the CCTV system, a new drainage system, replacement of old paved areas with tarmac, and the introduction of a Community Hub in Broadfield Library.

The work cost £552,000, with contributions from Crawley Borough Council, £419,000; £68,000 from the Safer Crawley Partnership and £65,000 from external stakeholders.

Councillor Michael Jones, Cabinet member for Public Protection and Community Engagement, said: “The improvements have given the Barton a much-needed boost and offer residents and visitors a significantly better shopping experience.

“I’m delighted that we were able to work with our partners to meet our commitment to improve the parade, despite the land and buildings being owned privately.”

Adrian Oliver, Broadfield Barton’s managing agent, said: “It’s great to see the new-look Barton completed and providing a parade for residents to be proud of.”

The owners of the Barton are responsible for the maintenance and cleaning of the canopies and paving.

Raquel Kelvie has been a Broadfield resident for 39 years, is a Talk Broadfield member and took part in the neighbourhood audit. She said: “I’m very happy – Broadfield Barton is much improved. It looks excellent and the work is very well done.

“We’re really lucky that we got all that money spent because the council doesn’t own the Barton.”

However, not everyone was so impressed with the results. Many have made comments on our Facebook page criticising the changes.

John Hepton said: “It’s a waste of money and looks terrible.”

Chelsie Edwards added: “It literally looks the same! But with a cheap looking canopy.”

Kevin Gordon said: “The whole thing has been very disappointing.”

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