Ribbon cut on Fish Hill Square

A REFURBISHED public space in Royston that cost �400,000 to renovate was officially opened on Saturday after months of work.

The ribbon on Fish Hill Square was cut by the chairman of North Herts District Council, Michael Weeks, who was joined by the town’s mayor, Robert Inwood, and district council leader Lynda Needham.

An exhibition detailing the background of the project was laid out with students from Meridian School providing musical entertainment.

Speaking at the event, the leader of Royston Town Council, Robert Smith, said: “It’s nice to see it finished, it has been on schedule but it has been going on for a few months.

“Some local shopkeepers were concerned about loss of footfall but now it is all done in time for Christmas.

“It’s just nice to see some investment in Royston.”

Pride of place in Fish Hill goes to a sculpture designed by a teenager from the town, who won a council competition.

Meridian student Vicki Chapman, 18, was on hand to witness the official opening.

She told The Crow: “It’s come to life because everything has all been finished and I want people to enjoy it.”

Money for the work came from central government and paid for new paving, a pedestrian area, seating in and around the square and trees.

Maylim was entrusted with the work and the project was finished on time and on budget. However their workmen found fame after a Crow story revealed their wolf whistles had led to an official complaint and subsequent suspension – sparking media interest across the country.

Cllr Tom Brindley and Michael Weeks both gave brief speeches thanking everyone involved in the project after the ribbon was cut.