MORE than 60 residents turned out for Ringwood Town Council’s first-ever outdoor meeting.

The idea was thought up to try involve more people with council business, to see its work and give people chance to discuss issues.

It was held at Gateway Square and was the brainchild of mayor, Cllr Michael Thierry.

While there had been reservations expressed by some members of the council ahead of the meeting, it was hailed a success.

Cllr Thierry said: “I am extremely pleased with the way the meeting went and is a credit to those who attended and voiced their opinions in an informative and amicable way.

“I will be asking my fellow councillors to repeat this event some time in the future.”

The outdoor meeting is believed to be the first in Hampshire and possibly in England and could lead to more such meetings throughout the year.

The town council has seven newly-elected councillors, who have been in place since May of this year.

At the meeting, residents were able to hear information about policing in Ringwood and get an update on the new youth facility The Place being built.

Some residents who asked to speak during the meeting raised concerns over the new Furlong Shopping Centre development, trying to save the old cinema and the possibility of a new arts centre at Greyfriars.