BUSINESS leaders in Kinson had the chance to quiz the leader of the council as regeneration of the area gathers pace.

Kinson Business Forum (KBF) invited Cllr John Beesley, leader of Bournemouth Borough Council, for a walk around the area before he addressed the forum’s latest meeting and took questions.

The visit came as work continues on the new Tesco store at Wimborne Road, due to be open by Christmas, which is seen by many as a trigger for transformation of the area.

Ramesh Lal, chairman of KBF, joined Cllr Beesley and ward councillor Mark Battistini on the tour.

Mr Lal said: “After a brief tour of the area, including the site of the new Tesco store, Cllr Beesley discussed the changes that have already taken place, for example The Hub Library, Pelhams Leisure Centre and improvements in the various schools.

“Current projects include a new a housing development at Duck Lane and a new dementia care centre at the old swimming pool site, which was no longer fit for purpose.

“The council leader was pressed by the audience on appearance improvements of the main shopping parade and also further job prospects in the Kinson area.

“He went on to say that with the imminent arrival of the new Tesco store, other national retailers are likely to follow.”

Mr Lal said Cllr Beesley talked about the “massive improvements” in the area in housing and schools and said that the primary school was due to have work done.

He added: “KBF very much appreciates the opportunity of a face to face meeting with the leader of the council and hopes that a proper and formal regeneration plan for Kinson will be on the council agenda in due course.”

Cllr Beesley added after the meeting: “It’s very clear that a development of the size that’s being undertaken will have a significant impact over time in Kinson in general and, if experience means anything at all, other retailers and other traders will want to come into the area.

“That will have a positive impact on the local economy and the creation of jobs.

“It’s an anchor development for the future of that part of Kinson.”