As part of the Bentham Masterplan consultation, approximately 20% of the town responded to questionnaires distributed by the programme. One third of respondents identified the appearance of Main Street as the worst aspect of Bentham. Also a third stated that the most important single change that would have an immediate positive impact would be improving Main Street into a clean, tidy and attractive environment.
These findings helped to shape the UK Shared Prosperity Pilot scheme, aimed at supporting and improving local businesses in Bentham. The initiative has been a strong success and has since evolved into the Bentham Business Boost programme.
The programme has secured £40,000 in Phase 1 funding from the Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Mayoral Fund via the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, followed by a further £50,000 grant in Phase 2 for the project ‘Colourful Bentham’. The installation of planters on Main Street has been funded through this support.
Community consultation and design
Following a collaborative workshop in Bentham, residents expressed a clear desire for more planters along Main Street, particularly on the wall opposite The Hub. Primary school children also contributed ideas, asking for more colour and greenery in the town centre. These views were reinforced by feedback from consultations conducted by Street Space in Bentham, where many residents highlighted the need for more greenery on the high street.
Delivery and environmental improvements
In response, the Bentham Business Boost team carried out a week-long clean-up of Main Street, supported by volunteers from Angus Fire and staff from Riverside Caravan Park. This work included cleaning, tidying and weeding, with locations carefully selected to achieve the greatest visual and community impact.
Planters have now been installed in key locations along Main Street. Installations on private property have been completed with permissions.
The planters installed outside Bentham Imaging are specifically designed to improve pedestrian safety by reclaiming pavement space, reducing its use as informal parking or vehicle overspill and making the area safer and more accessible for all users. This responds directly to concerns raised by both children and members of the public, many of whom reported feeling unsafe when walking through parts of Bentham.
Acknowledgements
Thanks are extended to the Parish Caretaker for planting the planters and to Bentham Golf Club for providing staff support for positioning and filling them with compost.
Community involvement
The Bentham Business Boost welcomes new members and continues to hold regular meetings. The group is keen to encourage wider community involvement in future projects.
There are currently four Councillor vacancies within the local Council and participation from residents would be very welcome.
For more information about the Bentham Business Boost, please contact: [email protected]
For Council enquiries, please contact: [email protected] 