A NEW vision for Winchester is being worked on despite coronavirus interfering with the plans.

The city council is revamping its vision for the city for the first time in nearly 15 years. It aims to help steer the way the city evolves. Not a direct plan itself but it will help shape planning decisions.

Consultants have been hired to speak to people and draw up ideas but they say they will limit face-to-face contacts with local people in favour of social media.

Corporate director Steve Tilbury told the Town Forum: "The vision will articulate aspirations for the town over the next ten years. It will be a guide to 'what does Winchester want?' The consultants will try to answer that question."

Mr Tilbury said the current vision had definitely helped guide developers' proposals for the city.

Richard Eastham, of Bournemouth-based Feria Urbanism, said there was 110 organisation to speak to and a 'Winchester Festival of Ideas' was due to be held on June 8.

A draft report will be produced in June/July with a final report in August/September.

Mr Eastham said he hoped the work would involve walking tours to get out to the edges of the city, to help answer the key question of what Winchester means to them. he said; "We don't want to ask people what the problems are: the answers will be wheelie bins, parking and litter,"

The consultants had wanted to get involved with local schools but that is now impossible.

To reach people not often involved in such consultations the consultants will use email, social media and the website www.OneGreatWin.com.

Council leader Lucille Thompson said: "it sounds a really interesting and exciting way to engage with people, given that at the moment we have a large number of people sitting at home."

Cllr Anne Weir said the health crisis had an impact already."We have got groups coming together and working in ways that we never had before."