A DOZEN palm trees have woven their magic on a neglected part of Bournemouth with potential investors queuing up to cash in on Holdenhurst Road’s new Continental-style makeover.

The palms were planted along the St Paul’s end of the road in a bid to spruce up the area and add some Parisian chic to the resort.

Now traders are calling for the scheme to be extended in the hope that it will transform the area into Bournemouth’s own Champs-Elysees.

Property owner Mike Meeks, who is currently spending £2.5 million on re-developing a vacant commercial and residential block, said: “The reaction to the palm trees has been very positive.

“Since they’ve been planted I’ve had people queuing up for business space. As soon as the five premises are finished they will be occupied. Nine people were after one unit alone.

“The trees have made an incredible difference.”

He added: “Those who have been negative about them are from elsewhere but anyone who works or lives in Holdenhurst Road knows the impact they’ve had.

“They’re not costing council taxpayers a penny because they will soon recoup a lot of money from investors wanting to set up business here.”

His sentiments were shared by Mark Ellson, chairman of the Lansdowne Traders’ Association, who said: “Holdenhurst Road was very bland before. The palm trees have given the gateway to Bournemouth a tremendous boost.

“I think they look fantastic and the feedback I am getting from other businesses is also very positive. We want the scheme to be extended. The council has shown vision and the spin-off is that people are wanting to live and invest here.”

Tracy Sefat, who runs Kayla Brasserie with her husband Hassan, said: “Our customers love the palm trees and we want them planted along our section of the road as well so our outside patio area looks out on them, rather than a student accommodation block.

“We opened less than two years ago and business has picked up. The palm trees are a great talking point.”