Car Parking

The Partnership was a consultee on the proposals for car parking in Huntingdon in 2006/7. A networking event, to explain the proposed charges, was held in 2007. Before the final decision was taken by Huntingdonshire District Council the Partnership wrote a letter outlining specific concerns and will continue to consult and lobby on car parking issues including the number of parking spaces and the review of parking charges.

The Partnership was instrumental in supporting the planning application for a multi storey car park in 2011, which will bring an additional 300+ plus to the town centre by 2012/13.

Clean Town

The Partnership liaises with local authorities to ensure the excellent standards of cleanliness are maintained and improved creating a clean and healthy environment. An example of a Partnership project with Huntingdonshire District Council is the gum boards installed in 2007, which have proved very effective.

Improve Transport Links

A future challenge for The Partnership is to work together with transport operators to promote and improve all transport to and from Huntingdon. The Guided Bus is expected to open on 7 August 2011 after several delays dating back to 2009.  This will provide new opportunities for businesses and residents of Huntingdon.

Huntingdonshire Business Against Crime (HBAC)

HBAC was set up by The Partnership in 2004 as a direct response to requests from members. The Partnership continues to support HBAC financially and in-kind together with representation on the HBAC Management Board and Steering Committee. Further information about HBAC and the Safe and Secure agenda can be found on Page 15.

Signage

A grant was obtained to erect new signage for businesses in All Saints Passage. The Partnership is working with the District Council and County Council to survey the need for improved signage particularly around the ring road and for directions to car parks. The lack of "brown tourist signs" for Huntingdon is a major concern and is being pursued with Cambridgeshire County Council.

Town Maps & Guide to Shops and Services

The Partnership produces ten town centre maps, which are placed in key locations. Updated bi-annually, the purpose is to increase public awareness of the range of shops and services in Huntingdon and how to locate them. Partnership members have the opportunity to sponsor the maps, giving their business a higher profile. All member businesses are highlighted in red. To link in with this the Partnership also produces a printed leaflet version of the map titled "Huntingdon - A Guide to Shops and Services". 20,000 FREE maps are distributed throughout the town over a two year period.

Shopmobility

Introduced in November 2006 Shopmobility goes from strength to strength. Established as a charity in 2008 this excellent service operates Tuesday to Saturday and is supported financially by Huntingdonshire District Council. The Partnership has supported by attending meetings, acting as consultee and assisting with PR and press coverage.

Buildings in a State of Disrepair

Through links at Huntingdonshire District Council, the Partnership continues to monitor and lobby for action on buildings in a state of disrepair.

Huntingdon in Bloom

The Partnership supports Huntingdon in Bloom by promoting the work of the committee through networks and Huntingdon LIVE. The Partnership Manager meets the judges each year to explain the community links.

Applying for Grants to Improve the Town

The Partnership has a successful track record of applying for grants and delivering on projects. These include a £45k grant to launch Huntingdon Business Against Crime, £19k grant to improve landscaping and signage, £14k to investigate the purchase of a property in the town centre and £1600 for the Huntingdon Town Trail. The Partnership will continue to seek funding to improve the town, its landscape, environment and services to its residents.