PLANS to enhance the area around Romsey Abbey have drawn a mixed response from the public.

Proposals to make the abbey approaches more pedestrian-friendly would transform Church Place into a public open-space.

Pedestrian safety is a vital part of the £500,000 scheme, say Hampshire County Council.

The new-look, buff-coloured Yorkstone paved Church Place will be tree-lined on both sides. Car parking will be re-jigged, retaining the current 13 bays - eight spaces will be near the fish and chip shop.

It's also proposed to open up a section of the Fishlake Stream across the front of the former court house and build a bridge across it to enter the building, which now houses Hampshire's Social Services.

Among those inspecting the plans at an exhibition in King John's House last Friday afternoon was Romsey's MP Sandra Gidley.

"There are some very good aspects to it. But some people are concerned about the loss of a tree (near the former Magistrates Court) to car parking. Officers have said that if people don't really want car parking then they will look at it again," she said.

"A very good part of the scheme is opening up the stream under the old Magistrates Court forecourt. If we can do something to improve the bit near the front of the abbey and link it to King John's House it must be good for Romsey. I hope people will go along to the council offices and make their feelings known," said Mrs Gidley.

More seating, cycle racks and street lighting would be introduced if the proposals receive public approval.

A tribute to the late Dr Peter Johnson - former Romsey GP and stalwart of many community groups - is included in the scheme. It would take the form of a water feature outside the old Magistrates Court..

Ex-Romsey mayor Mike Richardson said the water feature would be welcomed and that he was impressed with the proposals, which he said would enhance the approaches to the abbey.

"There has been too much concern in the town about the loss of car parking spaces," said Mike. "The trouble is people don't want to walk anywhere. This sort of thing is exactly what Romsey needs to encourage pedestrian access."

Rivermead resident Jill Linton, said: "I love rivers and like the idea of exposing the river by the old court."

Borough design and conservation chief Mike Ricketts said the council was in talks with the Environment Agency about the idea.

However, some residents are worried about the loss of a tree at the back of the old Magistrates Court. One, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: "It's criminal. There is no need to chop the tree down. I am concerned about cars using the same surface as pedestrians. I don't like it one bit."

Another added: "All Church Road residents are concerned about the impact on pedestrians in Church Road. There is a primary school nearby and people use the road to walk to Priestlands. It's wrong not to include Church Road."

Owner of the 12 Church Street Fish and Chip shop, Rod Stockwell, said: "It has serious implications for our business, particularly the parking. That's all I can say at the moment until I have studied the plans in more detail."

Newly-elected Romsey Abbey ward borough councillor, Clive Collier, said it was vital that people make their feelings known to the two authorities.

"The majority of people I have spoken to are broadly in favour of the scheme although there are some with reservations about the street furniture and the creation of parking spaces behind the old Magistrates Court. It's very important that as many people as possible express their views on the scheme," said Mr Collier.

Nearly 300 people visited the exhibition at King John's House and others inspected the proposals at the borough's Duttons Road offices. People have until May 30th to register their views and examine detailed plans at Duttons Road.