EYE-CATCHING street displays, more activities for youngsters and vibrant community events.

This is what the future could hold for Fortuneswell residents – and all thanks to their own bright ideas. Aimed at winning a lasting legacy from the 2012 Olympics, the Ideas Shop urged residents to put their ‘wishes’ for Fortuneswell forward.

The shop, which only opened for a month, was inundated with more than 500 suggestions to improve the area and engage the community. “It has really galvanised the community,” said Mark Jackson, project co-ordinator for the Portland Community Partnership.

“Most people have an opinion but don’t always have a platform for it.

“What made a difference was their views were going to be taken on board.

“Right up to the last day we had ideas coming in.”

Suggestions ranged from the practical – better parking, litter picking – to the ambitious, such as a swimming pool or funicular railway.

A number of ideas, such as more attractive décor and reopening disused shops, cropped up repeatedly.

There were also wishes likely to provide jobs for the council, such as more rubbish and dog mess bins, improved signage and brighter street lighting.

Anita Busby, of the Island Volunteers for You (IVY) group, who staffed the Ideas Shop, said: “Fortuneswell has always been considered the poor relation of the island.

“But it is the place that provides the first impression of Portland.

“There is so much here and it is about making people realise that.”

Tentatively named Revive, a logo for the regeneration project is being created and the ideas are set to be whittled down over the coming weeks.

While the arrival of the Olympics has provided the catalyst for the ‘wish list’ the intention is for it to produce deeper community benefits.

Mr Jackson said: “We want to plant the seeds for projects which will have a legacy and longevity. We hope a lot of the projects will be sustainable.”

Many of the suggestions were already being implemented, including a skatepark and the opening up of the coastal path.

The Ideas Shop initiative is also supported by Dorset Police and Weymouth and Portland Borough Council.

Funding for the future projects is likely to come from the 2012 Changing Places scheme.

Initially targeted at the London boroughs surrounding the Olympic Park at Stratford, its catchment was widened to also include Weymouth and Portland. The project is providing financial backing for communities to transform their local area.