Residents given chance to have say on spending
Residents have the chance to say how £400,000 should be spent on improving their area.
The Lidl supermarket chain recently built a new store in the centre of Leigh Park.
And as part of the planning consent, the supermarket and Portsmouth City Council gave 150,000 towards improvements in the area around Somborne Drive.
Along with 250,000 secured from a fund set up to regenerate older urban areas, there is now enough money to make a real difference.
Work is set to start in spring next year but it is up to residents to tell officers at Havant Borough Council and Hampshire County Council what needs to be done.
Leigh Park county councillor Ann Buckley said: 'We are delighted that there is finally some money to make a difference.
'It will be a huge boost to the area but we need to know what people want to see.'
Already on the table are plans for tree planting, better facilities for cyclists, a new crossing area for pedestrians between Lidl and Park Parade, plus new seats, bins and cycle stands.
But nothing will be set in stone until residents take part in a public consultation in Park Parade tomorrow between 10am and 2pm.
Leigh Park councillor Faith Ponsonby said: 'I would very much urge people to take an interest. It is down to them what happens. I know the people of Leigh Park have been asked these questions many times and nothing has happened but this time there is money to do the work.
'We want to put some trees in to soften the landscape because it is very building- dominated.
'There are some wonderful facilities nearby in Front Lawn recreation ground, a fantastic play area and tennis courts but people don't know about them. It would be nice to put some gates up there to make it stand out a bit.'
For more information about the consultation event, call (023) 9244 6536 or visit hants.gov.uk/landscape-and-heritage
CONSULTATION TOMORROW
The consultation on improvements to the Somborne Drive area of Leigh Park will take place in a trailer in Park Parade tomorrow.
The trailer will be staffed and open to visitors from 10am until 2pm. The display will then be available to view at Leigh Park Library in Park Parade from July 2 to 7.
There is a link to the questionnaire at havant.gov.uk which must be completed and returned to the Urban Design Team, Havant Borough Council, Civic Offices, Havant PO9 2AX or emailed to policy.design @havant.gov.uk
The closing date for responses is July 24.
>> Vote in our latest web poll.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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