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Hundreds of residents flock to Eco-town consultation

Wednesday 12th of November 2008

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Hundreds of residents had their say on the future of Whitehill Bordon at the first in a series of consultation events with the town's masterplanners.

Bordon Junior School was packed out with those who wanted to find out more about what Eco-town status could mean to them and how it could help improve the town.

A bus tour of the MoD land gave local people the chance to see just how vast the proposed site is.

East Hampshire District Council appointed masterplanners in August and they led two workshops and answered questions at the all-day drop-in event.

Balloon modeller Lord Geoffery wowed youngsters as he re-created the town's wildlife.And the flight simulator, which showed rides of a Blackpool rollercoaster and a Harrier jump jet, was busy all day.

A giant map of the town was on display and residents could add flags with their ideas about where development should take place.

Cllr Ian Dowdle, portfolio holder for Whitehill Bordon, dropped into the event after he finished work at his shop.

He enlisted 11-year-old Josh to help him with the prize draw which was a £100 Tesco gift voucher - won by Nigel Thompson, of Bordon.

Cllr Dowdle said: "It was fantastic to see so many residents having their say.

"It is vital that the community is involved in this process and I think this consultation was different to any the council has run before as there was something for everybody.

"Lots of children told the masterplanners about what they would like for their town.

"It was a really fun day - but we made some serious progress.

"The vast majority of people that I've spoken to really want to make Bordon a better place and so they are behind our plans to bring the Green Town Vision to life.

"The next stage in the consultation process will occur around February next year when the masterplanners, after evaluating information, will bring forward issues, options and ideas."

Earlier in the week the team from East Hampshire District Council, along with the masterplanners, spoke to residents at the garrison Bonfire on Wednesday 5th November.

Stakeholder workshops were held on Thursday and businesses and investors were involved in Friday's events.