Calls for more restaurants and shops but less traffic in Chichester Vision responses

People taking part in one of the consultations in February

In total 508 people took part in the consultation for the Chichester Vision – the district council-led blueprint for how Chichester should evolve over the next 20 years.

Traffic around the city centre was a particularly hot topic, with many wanting to see the number of cars and pollution greatly reduced.

Support for independent shops, a safer and more diverse evening offering, as well as a variety of year-round entertainment for all ages were the next most popular changes called for.

Thanking those who took part in a ‘very positive’ six-week consultation, Tony Dignum, Chichester District Council leader said: “The consultation showed that more than three quarters of people who responded agreed with the overarching Vision statement, with people’s comments mirroring the ambitions and initiatives included under the different themes.

“When we asked what do people love about Chichester the top three things were shopping, places to eat and drink and pedestrianised streets.

“These were closely followed by parks and gardens, the theatre, Chichester Cathedral and the environment. This shows that there is a lot which is already good about Chichester and the Vision aims to enhance this to make the city even better.

“It is clear that supporting independent businesses, creating a better night time economy and reducing traffic are the things that people would most like to see achieved in their city in the future.”

The Chichester Vision brings together a wealth of ideas put forward by individuals, groups and organisations across the city.

It aims to help attract inward investment and stimulate economic growth by making the most of its heritage and culture while also adapting to better meet people’s needs.

The draft Chichester Vision, including the feedback, will be discussed at Chichester District Council’s overview and scrutiny committee next Tuesday.

It is then due up at cabinet before it is expected to be formally adopted at the full council meeting on June 13.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage at www.chichester.co.uk/

2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ChichesterObserver

3) Follow us on Twitter @Chiobserver

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Chichester Observer - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.