STROUD Town Council wants people’s views on the railway station forecourt area and what can be done to make it more welcoming.

It was one of the areas highlighted during consultations for the Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP).

“We included it in the NDP because people felt it was an important gateway into the town that needed to be improved and made more welcoming,” said Town Mayor Kevin Cranston.

“Now we want people to tell the Town Council about the sort of improvements they would like to see.”

Suggested improvements include: better destination information, maps and signage; real time information displays for buses and trains; ramped pedestrian access bridge across the railway line to Cheapside; designated rail passenger pick up and drop off points in the area; direct access route to and from Brunel Mall Car Park via Goods Shed and changes to forecourt car parking availability, layout and design.

People are being asked if they would welcome installation of electric charging points for bikes and vehicles, different use of parking spaces and if there is a need for lockers or a service point for anytime parcel drop off.

Making the town more welcoming was one of the three key objectives of the Neighbourhood Development Plan, which was formally adopted last year.

“We are asking for your views because it’s crucial to know what people want to see when it comes to redeveloping the space so that it appeals a wide variety of people and meets the needs of all rail users for the future,” said Councillor Cranston.

“The Town Council is keen to move on projects that were earmarked in the NDP and this is one of the most important gateways.”

The consultation closes on June 20. People can pick up the survey at the town council offices or the Tourist Information office at the Subscription Rooms.

It can be completed online on www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/stroudstation