RESIDENTS and visitors are being asked to give their views to help shape a �2 million facelift for Felixstowe's much-loved seafront gardens.

RESIDENTS and visitors are being asked to give their views to help shape a �2 million facelift for Felixstowe's much-loved seafront gardens.

Early ideas for the project include a visitors' centre explaining the site's history, open-air performance venue, adventure play area and a lift from the cliff top to the Spa Pavilion to improve access.

“These exciting possibilities cover an extensive range of projects and we are keen to find out what residents think of these plans,” said Suffolk Coastal cabinet member Mary Neale.

“The gardens are recognised as Grade II Listed on the National Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest, making it especially important that they are looked after to ensure future generations can experience these historically significant areas.”

The council already has Heritage Lottery Fund support to develop the proposals, and is now preparing more detailed plans and bidding for a further �1.8m over the next two years.

The Friends of Felixstowe Seafront Gardens has joined forces with GreenSTAT - a national on-line survey - to find out what residents think of the gardens in their current state.

“The GreenSTAT surveys are a great way to get local public opinions heard. I would encourage all members of the community to have their say, even if they do not regularly visit the gardens, so we can gauge what people would like to see and what they would benefit from,” said Chris Leffler, chairman of the friends group.

To take part, people should visit www.greenstat.org.uk selecting East of England, then Suffolk, then Friends of Felixstowe Seafront Gardens, to complete the questionnaires.

Printed versions will be available from Felixstowe Town Hall, Tourist Information Centre, leisure centre and library from September 4. Surveys must be done by November 27.