MORE green space on the Quay and fewer cars on the high street were just a few of the many suggestions put forward by residents at the first public consultation on Poole’s neighbourhood plan.

Scores of people attended the event to view the draft document and have their say on what should be included in the plan, which is being put together by volunteers from Poole Quays Forum.

The consultation programme is being led by the community interest company ECA, which organised a variety of activities including rock climbing and crafts sessions to entice people into the event held at Orchard Plaza on High Street.

Martha Cowell, from ECA, said the first consultation, which focussed on proposals for the Quay and the high street, had been a hit with the locals.

She said: “We had 77 people come in, which we think is really encouraging. We have had lots of comments and feedback.

“There are five priorities we have come up with, which most people have agreed with.”

The current proposals include reducing traffic on the highstreet during weekends and evenings, introducing more green space on the Quay and making the Quay a pedestrian-only zone.

Chris Allenby, who among others has been working on the plan for the past two years, said he was pleased to see people taking an interest in the plan.

He said the proposals would help benefit the whole community and bring about positive changes to the town.

He added: “There are so many government cutbacks and council cutbacks that communities have to get off their backsides and take action.”

The next consultation day, which will focus on parks, movement and place, is being held today followed by another, focusing on Hamworthy Centre and parks, on Saturday, March 14. Both will be held at Orchard Plaza and will run between 11am and 3pm.

For more on the plan go to poolequaysforum.co.uk