A SET of properties have been bought up in a Hampshire town as part of plans to regenerate the area.

Eastleigh Borough Council has announced that it has completed the acquisition of all properties adjacent to the former Budgen's Supermarket site in Hedge End.

When the council acquired the site on Upper Northam Road, it promised to regenerate the area.

To do this, it was decided that all the properties in the area would need to be acquired.

Now, 1-7 Upper Northam Road from the former Budgens site to the Wilton Carpets/Costa’s premises have been bought up as the council begins planning for an "exciting regeneration" of the area over the coming years.

Cabinet Lead for Regeneration (South), Cllr Ian Corben, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that the Council has completed the acquisition of these properties. This is great news for Hedge End as it now presents a fantastic opportunity for us to plan for the regeneration of the village centre for the benefit of local people and businesses.

“However this will not happen overnight. This will require comprehensive and thorough planning so that we ensure we get the right solution for the future of our village centre.

"Over the coming months the Council will now also be working closely with the current tenants to help these important and long standing local businesses find replacement premises in Hedge End centre so they can continue to serve their customers, while making sure they will not be financially disadvantaged with legal and moving costs.”