EFFORTS to overhaul Kinson’s image are rapidly gaining pace.

The Kinson Business Forum (KBF) has signed up around 45 businesses and organisations in the space of just two months since its inception.

Its aim is to change the perception of Kinson and oversee a rebirth as Kinson Village.

It wants to galvanise the community and is working with the council, Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce – of which those joining KBF also get membership – and other bodies to make it happen.

With Tesco planned to open up next year, KBF wants to capitalise.

Chairman Ramesh Lal, who opened KC Opticians in Wimborne Road earlier this year, said: “It’s really picking up in terms of the interest from the business community in Kinson, Northbourne, East Howe and West Howe.

“We have got more than 40 members joining in a couple of months since KBF started up.

“It’s very keenly supported by the council and local councillors and the BCTC as well as organisations like the Hub and Sussed, who have become members.

“What we’re trying to do initially is to change the image and perception of Kinson.

“We’re working with other groups like the residents’ association and St Andrew’s Church. The idea is to galvanise and mobilise people to go forward. What KBF is going to work on is improving the visual look, things that will make an immediate impact.

“That’s removing bollards, improving signage, having flowers, for example.”

The KBF also wants to capitalise on the area’s rich history and heritage.

Ramesh added: “This place is about 1,000 years old. Kinson is actually mentioned in the Domesday Book and there is folklore and history, including the smugglers.

“We can sell all of that to visitors to Bournemouth, being more than a beach resort. It’s something they could do as a half day tour.

“The upside of all of this will be the regeneration of the area. Kinson doesn’t want ‘deprived’ status, it wants to make its full contribution to Bournemouth.”

Readers who have ideas about improvements can contact Adam Jacobs on adjbournemouth@ gmail.com