THE public want The Strand to have a space or performances, an area for young children and a more seating.

THE public want The Strand to have a space or performances, an area for young children and a more seating.

This is just part of a public are wish-list, released this week by Devon County Council, following the latest consultation into the redesign of Exmouth Strand.

The second round of consultation took place in December - an exhibition showing three options which ran for a month at Exmouth Town Hall.

Residents 'scored' on three different options; however the results, say the council, show no one design won out presenting the likely prospect of an amalgamation of all three.

Some local groups also submitted their own reports and most people want 'a good amount of both green space and hard, paved areas', more seating with windbreaks and more bus shelters.

A wider footway was frequently suggested for Rolle St, on the cinema side, while there was also support for a two-way Rolle St - and also many requests for complete pedestrianisation of the area.

Many wanted a 'performance space' perhaps coupled with a new shelter and provision for a play area for young children, and extra space around the War Memorial.

The relocation of taxi ranks was also a frequent suggestion and better drainage in the Gardens.

Councillor Eileen Wragg, Devon County Councillor for Exmouth said: "Full consultation is a hallmark of Devon County Council's work.

"It has been very positive to seek the views of local residents and traders again on this major project, which is so important to the future of Exmouth.

"We look forward to seeing how these have influenced the final design. These are exciting times for the town."

Councillor Darryl Nicholas, East Devon District Council's Exmouth Champion, said: "By working together now and investing in projects such as the enhancement of The Strand, Exmouth town centre will be both strengthened during this period of economic difficulty and will be well placed to attract much-needed investment when things start to improve.

"I am really looking forward to seeing the final designs, as there is real potential to create a fantastic town centre space where Exmouth residents and visitors can congregate to shop, dine and enjoy events. Getting the best for Exmouth is an absolute must."

The final layout will be shown at an exhibition in late spring.

To see the results visit: www.devon.gov.uk/exmouthstrand