The public are being asked to give their verdict on a bold new look for the entrance to Romsey’s War Memorial Park.

There are two options, both of which have been designed to show off the new War Horse statue due to be unveiled in 2015.

Sculptor Amy Goodman’s lifesize bronze resin piece depicting a horse and wounded soldier will be a tribute to 120,000 horses and mules which were trained for the front at Romsey’s Remount Camp on Pauncefoot Hill.

When the camp was closed rubble from the demolished buildings was used to help level the ground in the new park.

Both plans include a paved entrance area into the park. Within this area there will be modern seating, decorative flowerbeds and commemorative plaques displaying First World War memorial inscriptions.

Option A is a more informal layout while option B is more regimented with a straight paths leading through oblong flowerbeds to the statue.

Councillor Tony Ward, Community and Leisure Portfolio Holder, said: “The new entrance will create a prominent focus as well as being a permanent reminder of the thousands of horses and mules that passed through the Romsey Remount Depot during the First World War.

“We are keen to seek the opinions of residents and other park users on the plans to enable us to ensure we are providing a welcome and meaningful project.”

The existing war memorial will remain towards the right of the park’s entrance where it has stood since it was unveiled by Major General Jack Seely in 1921.

The total cost of the project will depend which design is chosen but will be funded through grants and donations, mainly from the War Horse project, said a TVBC spokesperson.

Residents have until October 29 to submit their comments to the community pages at the council’s website – testvalley.gov.uk.