RUMBLINGS of dissent are being heard over the cost of providing a gated landscaped area outside the Petersfield Festival Hall Rose Room to help bring in more revenue.

"I think it will just end up as a nice place for councillors to have a smoke and their lunch and not make a jot of difference to the hiring of the Rose Room," said one outraged Petersfield council tax payer.

Earlier this month the town council voted through the plan to spend nearly £17,000 on the scheme.

The small area of around five square metres next to the car park will include a water feature, cobblestone courtyard, a pergola with clematis climbers, and a seating area.

It is hoped the landscaped area will help to increase the number of wedding receptions and other events staged in The Rose Room and create an attractive backdrop for hirers.

For full story, see this week's Petersfield Herald.