Have your say on town centre

Readers of the New Stour and Avon are being asked to help shape the future of Bournemouth town centre.

People who live in the BCP Council area are being asked to help with the ‘top priority’ revitalisation and rejuvenation proposed by the Three Towns Alliance administration.

“What would you like to see and do in Bournemouth town centre?” asked council leader, Vikki Slade.

“What would make you come into town more often and stay longer?”

She said the town centre needed significant improvement and investment. “Bournemouth is such a lovely place in a superb location and with enormous potential, but like other seaside resorts and many other places across the country, it faces big challenges which the council cannot tackle alone,” she said.

She added that the council wanted it to be a place where people wanted to come and which could attract new businesses and visitors.

“We know residents have lots of ideas so please tell us – what would you like to see in the town centre, which bits do you love the most?

“Whether you live in the town, come to work in the town, visit for leisure or perhaps don't visit the town; your views count.

“I would like to hear all your ideas and thoughts so please get involved and let’s work together to get it right for you.”

The feedback will be discussed at a Town Centre Summit in autumn which will hear from The Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), Destination Management Board (DMB), universities, businesses, landlords and tourist agencies.

Residents can share their ideas via a survey which asks what they would like to keep in the town centre, what they like about it and what they would see change.

They will also be asked to share examples from other places which they think could work in the town.

Results from previous surveys generated by BCP Council’s Local Plan Issues and Options Consultation and its Reimaging High Streets Consultation, plus results from its partners and BCP Future Lab, will also feature at the summit.

Residents can access the survey here, which will run until August 4: haveyoursay. bcpcouncil.gov.uk.

Sign up for waste scheme and save £25

Gardeners currently living in the New Forest District Council area can save £25 on the annual garden waste scheme – if they sign up this autumn.

From April 2024, the existing scheme will move from black sacks to wheeled bins, which will be delivered to participating households from January to March 2024.

The council says that those who sign up early will receive a £25 discount but those on the existing scheme will still need to sign up for the new one and a letter will be sent in September explaining this. To hear when the discount goes live, and receive more details of the new scheme, email: newforest.gov.uk/ gardenwaste#h24

Arts

Voice finalist at village hall

Televisions The Voice finalist Sally Barker will be performing at Alderholt Village Hall on Saturday, November 11.

Sally, who has supported Bob Dylan and Robert Palmer in the past, will be performing Joni, Sandy and Me, from 7.30pm.

Bookings and more information is available by visiting: ticketsource.co.uk/ avhevents.