CARTERTON is hoping for Lottery money to improve a key town centre site.

The town has been shortlisted for up to £80,000 Big Lottery Funding for its project 'Put Heart into our Square'. Repaving, new seating, and a mosaic developed by the community, working alongside a professional artist, are aimed to turn Tower Square into an attractive focal point and meeting area.

The scheme will be competing head-to-head with an Oxford project on Tuesday, November 27, on ITV Thames.

Maxine Crossland, who has played a key role in developing the project, is urging local people to vote on the day.

She said: "Ten years ago, Carterton was branded 'the ugliest town in England.' "Finally we have a chance to improve things.

"Our dream is to redesign the square and create a safer, more welcoming area, with attractive planting and paving, set with plenty of seating.

"This is such an exciting project, and it would make a huge difference to the centre of our town."

The 'ugliest' tag caused anger in Carterton because it came from a journalist for The Times who only spent ten minutes on his way through the town.

Mrs Crossland added: "This makeover would give pleasure to every single person who lives in Carterton, as well as to all the soldiers and airmen whose last view of England is our town centre."

The town square redevelopment is part of Carterton's Fast Forward Project, to boost the town's image and improve its retail, recreation and economic activity.

The town council has set aside £10,000 from its own funds for improving Tower Square.

Town clerk, Janet Eustace, said: "It is a priority because there is quite a bit of vandalism goes on in that area. It looks pretty bad, with just bits of moth-eaten grass.

"If properly improved, it could be a site for the weekly town markets which have really taken off."

The number for voting will be published on the morning of November 27 on the website www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/peoplesmillions The number will also be available from Carterton town hall, 01993 842156, or from posters being displayed throughout the town during the day.

ITV Thames will be featuring the project on their news show at 6pm the same evening.

Source: Witney Gazette