BUSINESSES in Basingstoke are being urged to give their views on the South East Plan.

Basingstoke council has asked the North Hampshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry to put forward its opinions on the plan on behalf of businesses.

Now the chamber is calling on businesses to submit their views.

John Harrocks, chief executive of the chamber, said: "It is crucial that businesses respond as this has strategic importance to business and Basingstoke."

He added: "We are taking information from businesses until the end of January and will be reporting back to the council at the beginning of February.

"So far we have made e-mail contact with around 600 companies and we are trying to get the message out to all businesses in the borough."

The South East Plan is designed to be a framework for planning, housing development and employment development.

Issues facing businesses in the borough include looking to see if they have room for expansion and improved transport links.

Also on the agenda is the need for trained staff and good educational standards, together with affordable homes and a good environment.

The chamber has drawn up six key questions for businesses to respond to:

Does your business need employees in order to grow?

Do your customers come to you? If so, are trains, roads and parking adequate?

Can key workers find houses? Do they wish to buy or rent?

Do the proposals meet the needs of your strategic vision?

Does further expansion matter to your business?

What else could be done for business? Give three important solutions that the plan might deliver to improve your business.

Businesses wanting more details can contact Karen Matthews at the chamber on 01256 352275, or fax 01256 479391, or visit the South East England Regional Assembly website www.southeast-ra.gov.uk