Councillor Gavin McClure is encouraging council to help promote and beautify one of the town’s most iconic strips  - The Terrace Houses in Collins Street.

At a recent council meeting, Cr McClure submitted a motion to spend $17,000 to install fairy lights in the trees along the front of the terraces in an attempt to increase the ambiance of the area and also make it safer at night.

He also said the Kiama and District Chamber of Commerce would contribute $3000.

“I have proposed that we have a committee of someone from Council’s Engineering Department, two councillors and maybe four business owners to look at ways of beautifying the area,” Cr McClure said.

“The Terraces are such an important part of our town and its history, being right on the main entrance to the town from the east and we really need to do something – it really is a lost, forgotten area of town.

“Judging by the reaction to the proposal of a committee by business owners to date we may actually have to have a sub-committee that reports back to the committee, which is very encouraging.

“Business owners in the Terraces are very passionate about the area.

“The idea of the extra lighting would be just the first step in beautifying the area – at night this area is very dull and to be honest not very inviting, and by adding lighting it would add to the mood and safety of the area.”

Robert Stevens from Table for Amy, agreed with Cr McClure.

“At one stage we were looking at trying to add lighting and gardens, but whatever we can do to attract more people to the Terrace Houses and Collins Lane,” Mr Stevens said.

“The area celebrated its 130th birthday recently and needs to be beautified and preserved.”

Overall Cr McClure said the lighting might be just the first part of a two or three-year master plan for the area.

“There really are some pressing issues in the area, including having better drainage and better access to Collins Lane, but at the moment lighting is a definite priority and one we have to address.”