PETERSFIELD Town Council has thanked residents for the feedback given at last weekend’s consultation over plans for the Festival Hall.

The public was invited to the special session last Saturday at the hall to give views on the proposals as they stand so far.

The council believes that a long-term vision needs to be drawn up for the hall so that it becomes a first class venue for performances, exhibitions, conferences and other events.

It has been working with Foster Wilson Architects and other special consultants to develop the plans put on show.

Council spokesman Stephen Field said: "Petersfield Town Council would like to thank all those who came to the public consultation to give their views and thoughts to help shape the future for the Festival Hall and Town Hall complex.

"It is estimated that over 100 people visited during the public consultation, and many of these provided feedback for the council and architects to consider.

"During the consultation day, the council ran three focus groups in the Rose Room, inviting specific groups to discuss, consider and comment on the three proposals that came out of the feasibility study.

"Tim Foster, from Foster Wilson Architects, chaired and facilitated each of the focus group meetings, and these will help to shape the ideas for the concept design." Mayor Hilary Ayer, councillors and officers from the town council were on hand to assist during the day.

There is still an opportunity to see the feasibility study exhibition in the town hall foyer, where people can ask questions and have a say on how the Festival Hall and Town Hall complex is shaped.