MORE of Melksham town centre could be pedestrianised if ideas put forward in a study of the town centre receive public support.

Proposals that could change the face of the town, including the layout and street scene, will be released to the public next month.

Ideas include a partial pedestrianisation of the town centre, attracting more traders to the town, a glass roof for the Avon Place shopping precinct and encouraging businesses to tidy up their premises.

Meanwhile blueprints for the new George Ward School, which is to move to Bowerhill in a multi-million pound project, will be unveiled on Wednesday.

George Ward, in Shurnhold, was awarded £20m of government cash to part-fund the move to Woolmore Farm, which will mark another step in the redevelopment of Melksham.

The town centre study was commissioned by Melksham 1st, through funding from the South West Regional Development Agency, and consultants Colin Davis Associates were given the task of generating ideas to re-vamp the town.

Carolyn Beale, community trust director for Melksham 1st, said: "This is just the first step to bringing positive changes to Melksham and input is needed from residents, businesses and of course the various local authorities."

Colin Davis Associates have completed the study in partnership with local authorities, including West Wiltshire District Council, which is funding the printing of the study.

Recommendations have been divided into short, medium and long-term improvements, some of which can be easily achieved and others that will be more difficult.

Chris Holden, chairman of the Melksham 1st town centre group, said: "I would encourage the general public to come along to the launch and participate in the future of their town.

"I am delighted to be the chairman of the town centre group and believe this study is the first step towards empowering the local community to play a part in the development and future of their town.

"This will be an ideal opportunity for people to have their say and to see both the short and long term aspirations that have been drawn up."

Copies of the document will be available at the launch evening, which is being held at the town hall from 7pm on November 28.