A SHORT online video designed to raise the profile of Dunstable’s regeneration projects and celebrate the town’s heritage has been commissioned by Central Beds Council.
Cameras were sent out onto the streets of Dunstable last week to ask members of the public what they think about the town – and what could be done to improve it.
The film will cost £1,000 to produce.
Councillor Nigel Young, member for sustainable communities, told the Gazette: “We have commissioned a short online film, to help us raise the profile of our plans to regenerate Dunstable.
“We’ve done this because we want to shine a light on the positive things happening in the town at the moment – improving transport links, creating jobs and enhancing the town centre, as well as celebrating its rich heritage and community spirit.
“We also want to reach out to local companies and get the message out to them, that Dunstable is a great place to do business”
The video will also feature interviews with Mr Young as well as businesspeople Katey Horne, David Willmott and Kathy Lewis.
The town is currently undergoing a multi-million pound regeneration operation, including the ‘streetscape’ improvements currently being made in Court Drive.
The roadworks and subsequent traffic jams caused problems for the area’s businesses, who reported drops in earnings of as much as 50 per cent.
Recently, business owners have sounded more positive, with chip shop owner Mike Bloye suggesting a series of promotional initiatives to increase customer footfall in the area.
But Independent councillor Julian Murray, of Central Beds Council and Dunstable Town Council, says the regeneration project “has been a disaster since the word go”.
He told the Gazette: “Some residents are calling Court Drive ‘Nigel’s Folly’.
“The council seems to be trying to create something at enormous expense that will look pretty allegedly, but will be of no use to anybody.
“This whole scheme was just not thought out in so many respects.”
The film – produced by Moon Watcher Media of Felmersham, Beds – will be available on YouTube via links from the Central Beds Council website.