Estate overhaul used as blueprint

A regeneration scheme in Peterborough, Cambs, is to be used as a blueprint to improve poorly designed housing estates in other eastern region areas.

The city council spent £7m on upgrading Welland and Eastgate which included blocking off alleyways, improved lighting and establishing gardens.

There is a new pride in the estates, the council said.

Luton Borough Council, Beds, has secured a grant to spend on two estates adopting the same techniques.

Peterborough councillor John Holdich said: "I am delighted that Luton wish to benefit from the success we have had in Peterborough with our environmental improvements work programme.

Senior executives from Luton Borough Council and other agencies took a walking tour of Welland and Eastgate in Peterborough on Friday to develop ideas for their own plan.

Tony Gamble, a tenant representative from Luton said: "The trip showed a cross-section of people how sensitive development can enhance a community without the need for total upheaval and major reconstruction".

The delegation included representatives from Luton Borough Council, Luton Police, Luton Fire Safety Team and the Marsh Farm Development Trust. The build style of these estates is known as Radburn.