A vision with some radical thoughts from a working group member The University of Reading 1996 study considers 2 extremes for the future of Hungerford as either a 'Vintage Hungerford' (a throwback but lacks new jobs & excitement) or a 'Vigorous Hungerford' (more open and prosperous town looking East for values).  This report concludes a comprise approach called a 'Viable Hungerford' that blends the best of both extremes.

 So what's my vision??? I want to see Hungerford re-energised and revitalised with the High Street/Bridge Street/Charnham Street - the 'spine of Hungerford' - becoming the showcase that is going to be the catalyst that attracts new investment into the town and hence improve shopping, leisure, tourism and consequently the town's prosperity.  I would fully concur with Reading University's 'Viable Hungerford' view but in order to get there I strongly believe that significant change/improvement is required.

 What could we do?

 let's make the High Street pedestrian friendly

 let's build a separate footbridge across the canal on the High Street to improve pedestrian safety & widen the road

 let's improve the flow of traffic to remove the congestion

 let's remove ALL car parking spaces on the High Stree

t let's re-route the A4 through Charnham Park by re-designing the 'Texaco' and 'Herongate' roundabout/junction

 let's build a car park at this new Herongate junction to encourage tourists/visitors to walk down Charnham Street and up onto the High Street so that the whole of Hungerford is experienced

 let's expand this western edge of the town and allow more commercial and residential development

 let's get intercity trains to stop at Hungerford

 let's establish and promote a credible and compelling tourist proposition around Hungerford's heritage, landscape, scenery, antique shops etc

 let's market the town more pro-actively 

I think the town is in endanger of being choked by traffic congestion....and not only will new investment fail to materialise but current businesses will relocate/shut down...the High Street will become more run-down & shabby.....a vicious circle ??   

That's where we come in....how do we relieve the town of the congestion and allow further growth and prosperity whilst protecting the town's heritage & community spirit???

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1) To plan and prepare for a balanced and controlled growth of Hungerford within the surrounding community for the benfit of the residents and local businesses with regard for the long term quality of life, provision of services, ecology and the environment. 

2) To create in Hungerford all the facilities for leisure, education, transport and employment for the long terms benefit of the economy of the Town and its population. 

3) To provide for present needs in Hungerford without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.(This is essentially a sustainable development aim which we may consider applies?) 

4) To plan and provide for the needs of Hungerford in the future.(A very general aim, which could be supported by a series of key objectives) 

Are you for a 'Vintage' or 'Vigorous' Hungerford?  The Reading University study of Hungerford in 1996 identified these apparent competing visions:

Vintage Hungerford aims:

a) To preserve or re-create the traditional character of Hungerford;

b) To preserve community spirit;

c) To make the town as self-suffcient in jobs and services as possible;

d) To preserve the physical character of the town;

e) To minimise physical growth;

f) To retain the rural character of the town.

 Vigorous Hungerford aims:

a) To modernise Hungerford;

b) To create jobs in modern industrial sectors;

c) To train people to work in those modern sectors;

d) To increase the number of local services;

e) Allow a more open Hungerford;

f)  Engaging with the wider world.