THE £1million question that has lingered over St Neots for the past few months will be at the centre of a public debate next month when residents of the town will be able to air their views. St Neots Town Council has arranged for a public meeting to take

THE £1million question that has lingered over St Neots for the past few months will be at the

centre of a public debate next month when residents of the town will be able to air their views.

St Neots Town Council has arranged for a public meeting to take place on Monday, April 2, when it is hoped residents will be able to form a consensus on how to spend the cash gift.

St Neots Mayor, Councillor Paul Ursell, said: "People must come along to the meeting as it's their chance to have their say on this very important decision.

"At the end of the day Peter Rowley (who has promised the money) has said the will of the people should decide how the money is spent, not the town council."

The meeting will update the public on the current ideas for spending before opening up to questions from the floor. Members of the audience will also be given an idea about what is affordable and sustainable as a long term commitment.

Mr Rowley has been invited to attend the meeting, which will take place at 7.30pm in the Great Hall of The Priory Centre in St Neots.

The St Neots Community website has had more than 1,300 comments posted on how the £1million should be spent. Ideas include offering free wi-fi coverage for St Neots, Eynesbury and the Eatons, an indoor or outdoor swimming pool, improving Riverside Park, and restoring the town bridge. Unusual suggestions include commissioning a 50ft sculptor of Saint Neot in the Market Square, and sharing the money out to everyone in the town.

Mr Rowley has said it is up to the people of St Neots to decide what the money should be spent on, although he has indicated he favours a cinema.

The town council also say the preferred option is for a cinema, with a youth or community centre in the former post office building in second.