PLANS to revamp part of Romsey are one step closer, it has been revealed.

Residents who participated in the Romsey citizens' assembly presented their ideas to members of Test Valley Borough Council's cabinet at The Royal British Legion, Love Lane.

This comes after 50 residents from Romsey and neighbouring villages took part in the assembly to discuss the area south of the town centre, including Crosfield Hall, the bus station and Broadwater Road car park.

Some of the ideas discussed with cabinet members included introducing designated cycleways, improving road layouts and creating more green spaces.

Deputy leader of Test Valley Borough Council, cllr Nick Adams-King, said: “The process of the citizens’ assembly has been fascinating to watch and be involved in, so it was a fantastic opportunity to be able to listen to some of those assembly members who made those decisions to understand what they thought and why they said what they did.

“It’s also invaluable for some of the cabinet members who weren’t able to attend the assembly itself to gain more insight into the project.

"Rejuvenating our town centres is our top priority and it cannot be done without active and passionate residents who care about their communities.”

As previously reported in the Romsey Advertiser, over two weekends in November last year the assembly heard evidence from experts in town centre regeneration, planning, environmental issues and public health.

They also heard evidence from local stakeholders and looked at examples from other towns.

The members then voted on a number of recommendations to help transform the town.

Other key recommendations considered were flexible transport options, upgrading public toilets and installing better signage.

These are now being taken in as part of a masterplan for the area south of Romsey’s town centre.

Residents presented their ideas to the cabinet on Wednesday, January 15.