THE HAMPSHIRE Strategic Partnership is asking people who live and work in the county what is important to them as part of a mission to help shape future development.

The HSP, which was launched in September, is a multi-agency par tnership including local authorities, business, voluntary, community, health and private sectors.

Its aim is to enhance the economic, social and environmental well-being of those who live, work and visit Hampshire through the development of a county community strategy.

At a series of round table talks, members of the wider partnership brainstormed the key issues that are facing Hampshire residents.

Issues the groups highlighted as priorities included, among others, the provision of affordable housing, transport - particularly in rural areas - crime, education and skills development, rural and countryside issues, deprivation, health and community well-being.

Commenting Councillor David Kirk, county council executive member for community development and regeneration, said: "The long-term vision is for the HSP to produce a community strategy, based on the findings of this and other public consultations, that will help to improve the delivery of services in Hampshire across the board, from fighting crime to helping people access education and social services support.

"This multi-agency partnership has many benefits over the agencies working alone as it provides opportunities for us to exchange information and expertise, pool resources, avoid duplicating work and develop innovative solutions.

"In essence, it is a way of demonstrating how the whole can be greater than the sum of its parts "