GILLINGHAM residents are preparing to call for improved transport links at a public forum.

The event, between 10am and 4pm on Thursday, February 29 at Chantry Fields Community Office, offers people the chance to voice their concerns about public transport in Dorset.

The consultation’s announcement was met with a large reaction on Facebook, with residents excited at the prospect of holding the local authority accountable.

One user declared, “Result”, while another tagged her friends and said, “We should go”.

Others responded more solemnly, one user said: “There is no public transport in Gillingham.

“It’s awful, we have an unused bus stop outside our property.

“So many older folk who cannot drive are cut off from travelling to shops, even to the coast, and are forced to pay for cabs with unrealistic prices.”

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The consultation comes as part of a wider Local Transport Plan, with Dorset Council working with Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council on a joint scheme.

It aims to boost connectivity in the county, while maintaining economic growth and falling in line with the Government’s 2050 net zero target.

Residents are encouraged to complete an online consultation survey, with paper copies also available from Dorset Council and BCP Council libraries.

It is available until Sunday, March 3.

The local authorities are holding other in-person public consultations, they are:

• Thursday, February 22- Shaftesbury Library, 10am to 2pm
• Saturday, February 24 – Dorchester Library, 10am to 2pm
• Monday, February 26 – Sherborne Library 2pm to 6pm
• Wednesday, February 28 – Christchurch Library 10am to 2pm
• Thursday, February 29 – The Chantry Fields Office, Gillingham, SP8 4UA, 10am to 4pm

To complete the online survey, visit consultation.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/transport-policy/ltp-dc-bcp/