A clean and tidy area free of litter, graffiti and fly-tipping would have the greatest impact in improving Stepney, according to a survey completed by the area’s residents and businesses.
A four-week survey held earlier in the summer showed that 69 per cent of respondents were of the same opinion.
The survey, part government’s High Street Accelerator (HSA) pilot programme which focuses on the Stepney area of Beverley Road, provided the public with the opportunity to shape the vision for the area’s future.
The Stepney Partnership was awarded £237,000 to reinvigorate the high street as part of the previous government’s High Street Accelerator Pilot Programme in December 2023.
An additional £500,000 was also awarded to improve the vibrancy and visual appeal of the area and its surrounding green spaces.
Four in-person engagement sessions also took place to offer the public the chance to discuss proposals with council officers.
Hull City Council is part of the Stepney Partnership, chaired by resident John Scotney and includes local businesses, interested groups, schools and police, which is tasked with revitalising the high street, facilitating change and growth and attracting footfall to the area.
Other areas of improvement earmarked by the citizens survey included lowering levels of crime, anti-social behaviour and street drinking, as well as improving the appearance and conditions of buildings and attracting a wider range of shops and services.
Respondents were also asked for their opinions on the top five green space improvements which were:
· Trees (48%)
· Green roof, bee and butterfly highways (40%)
· Sculcoates Park grounds improvements (39%)
· High Street planters (38%)
· Sculcoates Park safety improvements (37%)
A week-long spring clean of the Stepney area took place in March in line with the Great British Spring Clean 2024, where children from Stepney Primary School and Hull Trinity House Academy joined council streetscene staff on litter picks in the area, with additional support via the Love Your Neighbourhood initiative.
Other activities included graffiti removal, whilst skips were rotated around the area for residents to dispose of unwanted household items, with several being filled throughout the week, preventing potential fly-tipping.
Cllr Jack Haines, portfolio holder for communities at the council, said: “This council is one that listens to local people and does its best to act on what we’ve been told.
“We’re pleased to hear from the community about the improvements they want to the Stepney area on Beverley Road.
“Listening and getting feedback is key to everything we do. In this case, people had their chance to shape the vision for the Stepney area.
“I would like to thank all those who took part in the survey, this is the first of many. In the meantime, we’ll continue our work in making the city a cleaner and greener place.”
Since the survey closed, the Stepney Partnership has worked with the council’s nominated High Street Expert to turn the community’s views and aspirations into a reality, which will help to shape the project’s delivery plan.
Further public engagement will take place in the coming weeks, including online and in-person events.
More information on the project and its next steps are available at www.hull.gov.uk/Stepney-HSA.
