Plans to 'brighten up' three town centres

Bournemouth town centre would benefit as a result of the plans, the council said

Plans are being drawn up to "brighten up" the town centres of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

The proposals include purchasing a machine to water plants and jet wash pavements, as well as installing artwork and enhancing street lighting.

Improving digital infrastructure and hosting events and activities to draw people into the town centres also make up part of the plans, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council said.

The projects will be considered at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

The authority said the £358,000 earmarked for the work had come from an extra one-off government revenue grant received in February. It added that the plans would result in "no additional or ongoing revenue pressure to the council".

This financing for long-term projects to improve town centres would be boosted by more than £98,000 in matched funding from the area's Business Improvement Districts, the council said.

Council leader Millie Earl said: "Investing in our town centres is a high priority for us, and we're really pleased to be able to provide this one-off funding for projects that will deliver long-term benefits to the town centres of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

"This is about enabling our partners to create and deliver these inspiring projects, and I am excited to see how they will add to the ongoing positive work to revitalise our three town centres."