PLANNERS have suggested a shared space scheme for Ferndown as part of an initiative to redevelop the town centre.

The option is one of a series presented by experts from Poole-based company NEW Masterplanning in a bid to improve Ferndown.

If the council ultimately green lights the proposal, a shared space could be created at the junction of Ringwood Road and New Road near the fire station.

Traffic signs would be removed and mini roundabouts introduced to encourage drivers to slow down and give greater priority to pedestrians.

Planners have warned that the solution would require "the support of all stakeholders" to go ahead.

If this option is rejected, the width of Victoria Road and New Road could also be varied to create more space for pedestrians and improve sight lines at crossing points.

This would also slow traffic, but not change overall vehicle movements, it is argued.

The third option suggested would make no change to the highway layout but instead see pedestrian crossing routes more clearly signposted.

A 'pedestrian island' would also be introduced at the entrance to Victoria Road.

The Ferndown Town Centre Strategy, now in a formal consultation period, features potentially wide-ranging redevelopments for the town.

Traders and shoppers have called for more on-street parking and lower speed limits.

Customers also want more places to sit outside and new trees to be planted.

Residents have also spoken of their concerns about HGV traffic through the town centre from Ringwood Road.

Officers from Dorset County Council and Ferndown Town Council are already working to reduce speeds, make drivers more aware that they are entering a town centre and improve crossings in Ringwood Road for pedestrians.

Representatives from NEW Planning said: "This strategy can help meet all these objectives by changing the environment at the junction of Ringwood Road, Victoria Road and New Road, known as Penny's Hill, and making it more pedestrian friendly."

The Day Centre in Penny's Walk could also be moved to make way for more shops as part of the proposals.

Moving the centre would allow it to expand on a new site, while also creating the opportunity to build more shops and restaurants, offices or community facilities, as well as a 'civic space', it has been said.

The extra space will also be used for public events, with festivals and pop-up shops planned.

In addition, a larger, regular market featuring between 25 and 30 stalls has been proposed for the retail site.

Planners will meet with officers from the council in the coming weeks to discuss how the sudden closure of the Barrington Centre might affect the scheme.

Around 75 per cent of those who spoke to planners said the community centre is an important feature of the town and should be protected at all costs,

More than 350 people visited the centre late last year to the view the plans.