HUNDREDS of people have taken the opportunity to express their views on the most important challenges facing Wisbech.

Their comments are now being analysed and the results will be presented to the Wisbech 2020 Vision summit taking place at the Boathouse next Friday (October 26).

The Vision was launched in the spring by the leaders of Fenland District Council and Cambridgeshire County Council and Stephen Barclay, MP for NE Cambs. It is a long-tem project aimed at building a prosperous future for all who live and work in Wisbech and its surrounding area.

A wide-ranging public consultation was carried out last month. A detailed questionnaire was circulated asking people to indicate the eight issues they thought were most important. They also had the chance to name the one thing they would most like to see improved in Wisbech.

Subsequently, two special events were held in Wisbech Market Place on September 22 and 29.

The consultation exercise followed a series of workshops held over the summer examining eight key themes, ranging from the economy and infrastructure to leisure and the town’s image.

In total about 600 comments have been received. The three things that people said most needed improving were the appearance of derelict buildings, public transport in and around the town and the number and range of shops.

Other key issues highlighted in the responses include the need to reduce anti-social behaviour, encouraging more employers into the area and promoting Wisbech both locally and nationally.

Next Friday’s summit will review all the progress made since the project was launched. Detailed recommendations will then be drawn up to form an agreed action programme that is due to be formally launched in January.