A BIGGER street market and pedestrianising the Quay are just two ideas for improving Wareham.

A community group is currently drawing up a list of ideas to shape the future of the historic market town.

So far the Wareham community plan task group has sent out 60 questionnaires and gathered 250 comments from residents.

The group is now appealing for more local volunteers to help form a community plan which will be used to bid for funding.

Roger Seaman of Dorset Community Action said: "We are talking to different community groups and asking people to come up with ideas and opinions.

"We are trying to generate more community activity and involvement in finding solutions to local needs."

The group is holding two drop-in events to gather residents' ideas and comments: Saturday, October 2, at Carey Hall between 10.30am and 3.30pm; and Monday, October 4, at the Corn Exchange in Wareham between 10am and 4pm.

The first steps towards drawing up a plan include proposals to create more cycle routes, improve public transport, create a tourist focus point in the town and more street cafes.

Mr Seaman said: "We want to know what local people think about their town - what they love about it; what they would improve or change to make it a better place to live and work in."

All the information collected will be analysed and a list of major themes and issues drawn up. A series of public meetings will be held to agree on which projects to pursue.

Mr Seaman said: "If the community is organised around an important local issue they will then be able to attract support and possibly funds from government agencies that are concerned with these issues."

If you would like to find out more about the community plan or get involved, contact Roger Seaman by e-mail on roger.seaman@dorsetcommunityaction.org.uk or call 01929 554667 or write to Online @ Wareham, Station Buildings, Northport, Wareham, BH20 4AS.

First published: September 21