Jane Dawes, director of the Phoenix Theatre and Arts Centre and co-ordinator of "The Town Partnership" action group for indoor leisure and recreation, believes strongly in the town. She said: "I think a lot of good things are already happening in the town that could do with more support.
"Bordon has had a bad reputation for years, but in real terms there's no more trouble here than anywhere else. A lot of the time it is snobbery which makes people think there's nothing good here.
"At the Phoenix we have been battling against people's attitudes from outside the area for some time, but I think things are changing and people are realising that the town does have things to offer, with the potential for a whole lot more."
Mrs Dawes felt the youth of Bordon needed to be looked after because they will determine the town's future.
"We are putting plans in place to ensure there's plenty for them to do locally," she said. "We organised Bordon Live Aid last month, which gave the opportunity for a lot of talented young bands to perform, resulting in one of them having the chance to play at Guilfest later this summer.
"Through the town partnership action group and with the support of Bordon Youth Umbrella Group and the youth forum, we're hoping to stage lots of events such as DJ workshops, video workshops, graffiti art, animation, street dance and music festivals.
"We won't be forgetting older people as well, ensuring that there are plenty of things going on for all ages. We also hope to show films at the Phoenix if we can get funding support, while the town waits for a cinema – which may be some years in arriving."
The Phoenix is also set to organise an arts festival for 2006, in conjunction with Mill Chase School and Whitehill Town Council. The action group will be putting out a survey later this month to find out what people would like to see in the way of leisure facilities. Mrs Dawes would like to see more facilities such as, a new centre, with high street shops, an ice rink, bowling alley, cinema as well as arts centre receiving a facelift.
"In a few years that may happen, but lets make the most of what we have got and look after it. It's only by enhancing what we have that we are going to encourage and attract businesses, employers and home owners to come here and for our children to want to stay. We need to think positively for the future," Mrs Dawes concluded.