Cities, towns and neighbourhoods across the region could soon benefit from better paving and lighting, improved pedestrian and cycle friendly spaces and new civic buildings thanks to the South West RDA's funding initiative, Civic Pride. Guidelines for the Civic Pride Initiative (Adobe Acrobat Reader Document - 5618.37kb).  
 
The initiative is designed to respond to the diverse needs of towns and cities in the region and to encourage and enhance local distinctiveness.  
 
Claire Gibson, South West RDA Planning and Transport Manager said: 
 
''The overriding aim of Civic Pride is to make people feel good about the place in which they live, work and relax and the timing of the launch could not be better. There is growing interest in design and the built environment wherever we look and recognition that good design and investment in our public places lies at the heart of regeneration and sustainable development. 
 
"Civic Pride will provide the RDA with an opportunity to work with partners and create some innovative high quality public realm projects that become the catalyst for significant economic regeneration.''  
 
Torquay Waterfront is just one example of where Civic Pride will make a real difference. The RDA is working with partners to rejuvenate the whole waterfront and Civic Pride work will cover the creation of a town square as well as improvements to the paving, seating and lighting. The aim is to provide a sense of community pride in an area of high long term unemployment and social deprivation while at the same time providing a significant boost 
to the local economy by creating an ambience that is attractive to the tourism market. 
 
For more information please contact the appropriate South West RDA Area Team: Bristol, Somerset, Gloucester and Wiltshire Tel: 0117 933 0200; Devon Tel: 01752 251 071; Cornwall Tel: 01872 243 750; Dorset Tel: 01202 649 282.