The sight of Spanish palm trees could soon welcome visitors travelling into Bournemouth after traders hailed a continental-style makeover in the resort’s Holdenhurst Road a huge success.

That’s the hope of one civic leader who has spent years campaigning for the once run-down Holdenhurst Road to be transformed into a boulevard.

Now Cllr Michael Filer says the second phase of the £100,000 Holdenhurst Road palm tree scheme could take place this autumn, paving the way for similar ventures in other roads across the borough.

He told the Daily Echo: “Obviously it’s all down to funding but there has been such positive feedback to the palms on Holdenhurst Road that other roads could benefit from a similar makeover.

“My dream is that palms, or colourful plants and bushes, could be planted along the Wessex Way from the Cooper Dean roundabout, into town.

“It would make Bournemouth more exotic and welcoming to people as they drive into town. We have already purchased another dozen Spanish palm trees for the section of Holdenhurst Road near the railway station.

“They are in storage in our nursery and the ideal time to plant them would be September. Extending the scheme further along Holdenhurst Road would entail removing parking bays which is possible but would require further consultation with traders and bus companies.”

Cllr Filer said vacant office space in Holdenhurst Road was now being snapped up, adding: “It’s all down to the palm trees and I’m delighted to see that area being revitalised.

“There are other roads in the resort which could also benefit from being transformed into boulevards.

“I think the few people who have criticised the scheme want to see them on their own doorsteps.”