Conservative-led Southampton City Council has said it’s “proud to announce £3m investment into Bitterne District”, having pulled the previous Labour administration’s £30m plans for the area last year.
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The council announced: “At the end of May, the public will be invited to participate in a survey and give suggestions on what they would like to see improved in the area with residents being able to choose from number of schemes which could include improved lighting, support for local businesses, public art feature/s and public realm improvements.
“The feedback on the survey will then help shape the initial concepts for the improvements before a series of resident engagement events which will take place offering the opportunity for further input from the community along with forming a working group which will include key local businesses.”
Labour’s previous £30m plans were for a leisure centre, a library and health services.
Following the announcement from the then new Conservative administration that these plans wouldn’t go ahead, Labour opposition leaders were reportedly “deeply disappointed”, and said they felt the east of the city was being “let down”.
Speaking about their new plans for the area, Cllr Jeremy Moulton, (Con) deputy leader and cabinet member for growth, said: “We are pleased to announce that £3m will be allocated to Bitterne District. Bitterne is a unique area of Southampton, not only does it have a very strong sense of community, but it is a sought-after area for businesses, with its excellent transport links from the east. This investment will do so much to improve the everyday lives of residents as well as local businesses. I would encourage the residents to participate in the survey so we can spend this money on what will really make a difference in Bitterne.”
bitternepark.info invited the leader of the Labour opposition group, Cllr Kaur, to comment.