RESIDENTS at Fortuneswell on Portland are being asked to provide inspiration to help shape the future of their community.

An Ideas Shop is being set up the area for people to drop in and share their thoughts on the priorities for the future of Fortuneswell and the legacy of the 2012 Olympic Games.

The Portland Community Partnership was opening the shop at 78 Fortuneswell today as part of the London 2012 ‘Changing Places’ programme.

The scheme is also being supported by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council and Dorset Police.

Project co-ordinator for the Portland Community Partnership, Mark Jackson said: “This is a chance for local people to voice their views on the future of Fortuneswell.

“It’s time to create a lasting legacy for us to benefit from after the games.

“It’s no good saying things will never change – if we don’t take advantage of this opportunity it will be gone.

“The future is not too far away, so think positive and pop into the Ideas Shop to help make a difference.”

The council’s spokesman for partnerships and special projects, Coun Howard Legg, added: “The 2012 games can and will make a lasting contribution to community life in the borough with these kinds of projects.

“A strong response from local people at this stage is crucial to the success of the Ideas Shop and the outcomes that it may deliver, so if you feel strongly about the future of Fortuneswell don’t miss this brilliant opportunity to contribute.”

The Ideas Shop will be open until Saturday May 9, with opening hours from 10am to 4pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 1pm to 7pm on Thursdays and 10am to 1pm on Saturdays.

Similar schemes in London have seen vacant plots of lands spruced up, tree planting projects, local food growing promotions and improvements to local roads and footpaths.

The ‘Changing Places’ programme has already begun in Fortuneswell, with inmates from the Portland Young Offenders Institution making hanging baskets and flower boxes to adorn local streets.

Dorset Police Olympic community engagement officer Sergeant Nikki Billington said: “This is a fantastic opportunity.”

Fortuneswell residents can also text any ideas to 07791 245384.