POOLE residents are being asked for their views on how public spaces in the town centre could be improved.

Borough of Poole is asking people to have their say on improvements to public open spaces in Townside from Hunger Hill to Poole Bridge, including West Street and West Quay Road.

The feedback will help create a local identity for Townside that respects local heritage, enhances gateways into the town, improves walking and cycling, promotes public transport, enhances landscaping in the town, and integrates artwork.

Information about the public consultation and heritage of the area will be on display at Poole Museum until Sunday, October 8. This display will help people choose which themes should be celebrated in these public spaces.

People can also come along to a drop-in event at Poole Museum on Tuesday, September 19, when members of the project team will be available to answer questions between 10am and 5pm.

The Townside scheme is part of a three-year project to improve access from the port to the town centre. Funding of £11.7 million has been secured from Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership, through the Dorset Growth Deal, to support travel improvements and development in Poole’s regeneration area.

This investment also forms part of the wider £23.3 million being spent on Poole’s infrastructure that includes the significant improvement works at Gravel Hill and Poole Bridge.

Cllr Ian Potter, cabinet portfolio holder for transportation, said: “As the regeneration sites on the town side of Backwater Channel get developed, the green spaces and public areas will play an even more important role in the growing community. Over the years we’ve consulted people on how this area should be developed and how the road network will support regeneration, jobs and homes, and now some of these aspects are starting to be provided, we want to ensure that we also create attractive spaces that people can enjoy.”

John Rice, engineering manager, said funding for improving access in Townside provided a “unique opportunity to enhance the area and improve the quality of life for local people”.

People can give their views on improvements to the area by completing an online survey by Sunday, October 8. Paper copies of the survey will be available at Poole Museum or in Poole libraries.

All completed surveys will be entered into a prize draw for 10 opportunities to win a cream tea for two at Poole Museum.

Ward councillor Mark Howell said: "I encourage residents to participate in this consultation because it is their opportunity to influence the quality of experience for walking and cycling between Hunger Hill and Poole Bridge after the road system within this area has been reconfigured."