WINCHESTER civic chiefs - under fire over the possible development on the northern edge of Barton Farm - are set to give a wildlife area on the southern side of the cit a £60,000 facelift.
St Faith's Meadow at St Cross is owned by the city council but has deteriorated over the years. The council now wants to rejuvenate the area - part of the Itchen Valley Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Civic chiefs hope to open up views of St Catherine's Hill from Keats' Walk, the footpath along which the poet walked and found inspiration for his Ode to Autumn.
A five-year restoration plan has been drawn up and the council hopes it will attract funding from other sources. It estimates the cost of the project will be £60,000 over five years.
Hampshire Wildlife Trust is prepared to carry out the work with volunteer labour provided the council makes a financial commitment.
The town forum on January 6 is being urged to support the scheme and recommend that the cabinet authorise funding of £5,000 a year for three years.
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