BOURNEMOUTH residents are being urged to have their say on how the town’s public spaces can be improved.

Public consultation is underway on the council’s draft public realm strategy, which covers issues like the design of public squares, parks and streets, encouraging people to walk and cycle more and improving the safety of streets and public spaces.

Cllr David Smith, cabinet lead for planning policy, said: “We want to improve Bournemouth’s streets by making them safer and more attractive whilst retaining their local character.

“This document supports future transport work and planning policy and therefore it is vital that our local residents take this chance to have their say.”

The document can be viewed online at bournemouth.gov.uk/publicrealm, at the council’s customer services centre or any of the town’s libraries. The deadline for comments is 5pm on January 7, 2013.