INVESTING extra money in improving a notorious Bournemouth trouble hotspot will help to “mend” the town’s night-time economy, it has been claimed.

Cabinet members unanimously agreed to spend money on Horseshoe Common, in the hope of trans-forming it from a neglected area into a vibrant part of town.

The £300,000 of improvements will include the removal of the existing roundabout, construction of a new street layout for Old Christchurch Road and the creation of a new public space on the edge of Horseshoe Common.

Taxi parking will also be removed and an adjacent 20mph zone will be extended.

Cllr David Smith, who represents the town centre, said: “I’m delighted the money’s coming forward to take this scheme forward.

“We’re trying to mend the night-time economy and improve the environment there and that’s probably one of the hotspots that needs addressing.

“The work we’re going to do will reinvigorate that area and make it a much better environment for all concerned.”

And Cllr John Beesley, leader of the council, said their investment proved they were serious about acting on the recommendations of a recent report into Bournemouth’s night-time economy.

“We are determined to invest in this particular part of central Bournemouth and do everything we can to improve our night-time economy and make sure it’s better integrated with the rest of our economy.”

“This particular part of Bournemouth where we’re developing at Leyton Mount is getting a good deal of focus from the council at the moment. I think that demonstrates we have a long-term commitment to improving the environment in this really important part of our town.”

The work is due to be completed by next summer.