FEARS Bradford on Avon could be turning into a dormitory town are being addressed as part of a new report.

A creative festival and more emphasis on tempting small businesses into the town are among the ideas put forward in the Buzz report, commissioned by the town's Economic Development Working Group.

The report suggests improving signs into the town, setting up websites and employing a project officer and also provides a three-year plan for the first stages of the transformation.

It is hoped these plans will culminate in the working group's vision of a balanced community with a buzzan historic working waterside town with a creative atmosphere where independent businesses thrive.' The report was put together by Nicholas Falk, from London-based company Urban and Economic Development.

It says: "Bradford has been successful in attracting people to live here, but is in danger of losing its balance and character, as sites are turned from employment use into housing.

"The basic idea is to attract small enterprises to Bradford on Avon that produce high value products and services, that value what the town has to offer, and that reinforce the town's special character."

The report also outlines plans to introduce a festival, known as Buzzfest, which would tap into the town's strengths, like the waterways and existing music and arts events and could market Bradford on Avon to the rest of the country.

The economic development working group was set up by the town council as a result of the town's development plan and was formed about 18 months ago. It includes members from various groups and organisations in the town.

Group chairman Philip Sutton said: "Nicholas Falk has given us a lot of good ideas to reverse the trend of Bradford on Avon becoming a dormitory town.

"Some of these are being picked up by the town council and other groups in the town. It's vital that the process remains focused and that the buzz is converted into the creation of new jobs.

"The next and most important task is to find someone who we can retain over a longer term to help us do this."

Town council clerk Diane Holmes said the plans had been welcomed by councillors.

"This is very good for giving us focus to move forward. The town council is excited about it and very supportive, as are other groups in the town," she said.

"We're trying to keep business in the town and are looking for more innovative or IT-type creative industries that don't entail huge amounts of space, which the town hasn't got.

"We also need better signing. If people drive through they might just see the derelict Kingston Mill site and may not be aware of the little gems hidden in the town. The signs don't give an image of what the town is really all about."