New task force set up by Luton Council to address town centre challenges
Luton Council has launched a new task force to coordinate improvements in the town centre as part of ongoing efforts to make the area more attractive, safe, and welcoming for residents and visitors
Luton Council has established a multi-agency Town Centre Task Force to address ongoing challenges in the town centre. This initiative builds on the Town Centre Masterplan, launched three years ago, which outlines a strategy for revitalising the area. Significant investments have already been made, including the transformation of the River Lea into Hat Gardens and enhanced enforcement through almost 5,000 fixed penalty notices issued by the Waste Investigations Support Team (WISE) and the council’s Neighbourhood Enforcement Team (NET) in the last year.
The task force is chaired by the council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Inclusive Growth, Councillor James Taylor, and includes representatives from key organisations such as Luton BID, Bedfordshire Police, and The Culture Trust. This group will work together to implement short- and medium-term improvements in areas of enforcement, safety, public health, and town centre aesthetics.
Councillor Taylor said, “A rejuvenated, clean, safe and more vibrant town centre is key to achieving our vision for Luton 2040. We must ensure that investors and businesses see it as an ‘investible’ town centre where residents and employees will enjoy living and working, and find it enjoyable and safe."
Addressing community concerns about safety, the council has expanded its focus on enforcement in the town centre, with coordinated patrols by Bedfordshire Police and NET officers to target anti-social behaviour. Police-led action days are also scheduled, and a new anti-social behaviour officer has been appointed to tackle persistent issues. “Whilst traditionally Bedfordshire Police has been seen as enforcement-based, we are committed to problem-solving, preventing criminality, and working closely with the community on what matters most to them,” said Chief Inspector Adrian Cunningham of Luton Community Policing.
Supporting individuals with complex needs, such as those experiencing homelessness, will be another focus for the task force. This includes partnerships with housing, public health services, and homelessness charities to provide targeted assistance.
Improvements to the town centre’s public spaces are also planned, with new public artwork and improved lighting on streets including George Street and Guildford Street. There will also be community events in locations like St George’s Square and Hat Gardens.
Luton BID Engagement Manager, Julia Horsman, said, “It’s encouraging to see such a focus on our town centre from our partners across the town, working together to make the best use of resources and expertise which will benefit both businesses and residents.”
In the longer term, the task force aims to support major developments, such as The Stage on Bute Street and the proposed Power Court stadium.