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In March 2009, Westminster launched an ambitious programme to renew the heart of London in time for the 2012 Olympic Games.

New initiatives to tackle litter, unemployment and overcrowding will be rolled out over the
next three years to create a living city of opportunity in which families can thrive.

The councils key pledges include:
• revamping up to 400 main streets in Westminster so the city looks world class
in time for 2012
• installing 1,000 extra litter bins to ensure Westminsters streets are kept clean
and rubbish free
• providing housing for the 40 most overcrowded families in Westminster by the end
of the year and aiming to end overcrowding in the borough altogether by 2014
• cleaning up Soho to help rid it of its red-light image and attract more families
to the area
• helping to create 1,400 apprenticeships to tackle unemployment and get people
into training and jobs.

Other key measures include introducing 1,000 extra new residents parking spaces to
make it easier for local people to park and making available around 60,000 square feet
of affordable office space.
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In an address to a meeting of the full council on Wednesday night (4th March), council
leader Colin Barrow said despite the severe economic downturn he wanted Westminster
to be the best living city to ensure it was ready for the Games in 2012.

Setting out Westminsters priorities for the year ahead, Cllr Barrow said: In the depths of
a recession we begin the task of building a city fit to welcome the world in 2012, and
showing how we can do more for less by changing the way we work.
Westminster has not faced a challenge of this magnitude for 30 years. The loss of jobs,
business and prosperity threatens the unity of our communities, the fabric of our
neighbourhoods and the confidence of every family that lives here.
Meeting and mitigating the impact of the recession will demand a different and dynamic
response from this city government.
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for more information visit: www.westminster.gov.uk