MILLIONS of pounds will be poured into improving a Southampton neighbourhood.

The Tory-led city council has confirmed it will be investing £3m into Bitterne District.

This comes after it threw out the Labour administration's £30m plans for a leisure centre, a library and health services at Bitterne precinct. That decision was made just after it took over the helm last year.

Now, the latest scheme states that residents will have the opportunity to say how they would like the money to be spent.

Councillor Jeremy Moulton said: “We are pleased to announce that £3m will be allocated to Bitterne District.

“Bitterne is a unique area of Southampton, not only does it have a very strong sense of community, but it is a sought-after area for businesses, with its excellent transport links from the east.

“This investment will do so much to improve the everyday lives of residents as well as local businesses.

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“I would encourage the residents to participate in the survey so we can spend this money on what will really make a difference in Bitterne.”

At the end of May, the public will be invited to participate in a survey and give suggestions on what they would like to see improved in the area.

Residents will be able to choose from a number of schemes which could include improved lighting, support for local businesses, public art features and public realm improvements.

The £30m proposals for the so-called 'Bitterne Hub' were unveiled in 2020 by the Labour administration.

But the scheme was reviewed by the newly elected Conservative administration after Labour lost control of Southampton City Council in May.

Council leader Cllr Daniel Fitzhenry confirmed in October that the £30m plans previously announced will not go-ahead.