THERE has been a strong reaction to news people will soon be able to tell Redditch Council how they would spend up to £25m to help the town.

The Advertiser recently reported talks took place to complete the next stages of the bid to secure up to £25m of cash - which will be used to help regenerate Redditch.

Members of the Redditch Town Deals Board met at the end of the January to discuss how the money could be invested, ready to submit to Government.

The Town Deal Fund has been made available to Redditch and is set to be awarded later this year so the board needs to prepare a town investment plan to continue with the bid process.

It it thought the money, whatever amount the council gets, will go toward regeneration plans for the town centre.

Also, part of the plan must include a public consultation.

A council spokesman said: “We are working on an engagement strategy at the moment that will need to be agreed at the next meeting of the board and then will look at dates for wider public consultation."

Hundreds have taken to social media saying what they would like to see as part of the regeneration plans.

Commenting on the Advertiser's Facebook page Janice Styler said: "Town hall needs to become a leisure complex. Bowling/ice rink, bingo hall / laser quest. Area by Debenhams a play area. Water jets outside the post office area in the summer. Lots of independent shops etc around church green. Bring back the old parking system back of Sportsman’s arms and free after 7pm."

Tony Hateley said: "Big issue we have is the whole town is disjointed. We have a cinema in town that's not accessible. We have no other variety. No where for the kids to go. I implore the planning committee to PLAN instead of shoe horning things into gaps."

Jeff Watson said: "My guess is it will all be spent on the train station, knocking down the library (for those who can't find the shopping centre) and re-housing the council from the town hall."

Emma Lou Collins said: "Ice rink bowling bingo."

Chris Biddle said: "We need a ski slope or ice rink. If you build it, they will come!"

Zoe Louise Barrett said: "Outdoor splash area maybe at the lake? I’m originally from Redditch but moved away I come over to visit a lot and the lack of stuff to do with the children is unreal."

Jack Deakin said: "I want to see the day centre for adults with learning disabilities and a bowling alley."