Subway improvements announced

Two of the town's pedestrian underpasses are to be overhauled after the District Council received a government grant.

St.Andrew Street underpass

The subways in London Road and St.Andrew Street are to be improved following the award of an Air Quality Grant worth £54,000 to East Herts District Council to encourage active travel.

The St.Andrew Street underpass will provide an important link between the town centre and the town's new Aldi supermarket, which is expected to open within the next two months.

Hertford Arts Hub will provide permanent reproductions by the late Alan Davie RA, coupled with a changing display of work by local students. The temporary images will be updated every year with competitions in schools and the wider community so that people who use the subways regularly will be able to enjoy a changing display. 

Graham McAndrew, executive member for the environment, said: "We’re delighted to have been awarded this grant towards helping improve local air quality. 

"Our aim is to create a shift away from the use of cars for short journeys in Hertford by providing inviting and interesting pedestrian routes. In turn, this will reduce vehicle emissions, assist with climate change targets and help to increase our residents’ mental and physical health through increased physical activity."

Derrick Ashley, the county council’s executive member for transport, said "This is part of our countywide programme to encourage people out of their cars for short journeys. More walking means better air quality and improved health in general".

The town's subways were built in the 1960s when the relief road was driven through the town.

The Castle Street and Fore Street subways were recently improved with drawings and paintings from local schoolchildren.

Updated 19/4/20 to clarify that Hertford Arts Hub, not Hertford Art Society are working on the project; and to add quotes from Cllrs McAndrew and Ashley.