IDEAS from residents are being sought as plans are made for the next three years of projects to revive the Parks and Walcot areas.

The plan, which is being organised by the Neighbour-hood Renewal Company with the help of local residents and groups, aims to bring empty buildings brought back into use, develop facilities in the area and improve the popu-lation's health.

Funded with £1.5million from the South West of England Development Agency, the scheme is in addition to the multi-million pound plan to redevelop the dilapidated Cavendish Square.

Community and communi-cations manager Kate Rowe said the renewal company was keen to meet all the targets it had set, which was why they were planning for three years instead of one.

"We are looking at as much as possible mapping out the three years that will take us to the end of the scheme somewhere in 2007.

"But we are looking for ideas from people in the community," she explained.

"It is all very well for us to say what we think this community needs.

"But we want people to come forward with their own ideas for what their community needs."

"Many groups have come forward so far, but we need more."

One of the areas the company is looking at is bringing empty buildings back into use. Their target is to revamp nine.

"It is important for all sorts of reasons," she said.

"The impact on the environment is obvious, but there is also an impact on people's quality of life.

"People don't want to be looking at derelict buildings."

Proposals for Buckhurst Field are also being put forward.

These include a new play area for the children, a planting programme and a low-level play area which will be suitable for skaters and skateboarders.

Other targets include promoting social inclusion particularly for teenagers, reversing the trend towards poorer health levels in the area and reducing crime.

Many schemes to improve life for residents have already been established, such as street wardens and the junior wardens.

The new plan is due to be unveiled in April and ideas are needed over the next few weeks.

Proposals for projects need to be able to be carried out in quarterly periods.

Anyone with suggestions can contact the renewal company at 29 Cavendish Square or on 01793 431155.

Tina Clarke