Dr Keith Robinson and Ian Gallin look at plans for TrowbridgeWHEN blueprints charting the revolution of Trowbridge were released to an expectant public there was a new mood of optimism and belief.

But now twelve months have passed and very little of the paperwork has been transformed into bricks and mortar.

So what is going on behind the scenes?

Is the dream of a cinema, arts centre, shopping complex and open-air restaurants any closer to becoming a reality?

Is the Vision framework likely to turn Trowbridge into a 21st century town or will it prove to be a dead duck?

The movers and shakers behind the framework met business leaders on Thursday with a clear agenda to inform, update and reassure.

Any development in the heart of Trowbridge is now subject to strict guidelines following the adoption of supplementary planning guidance.

Council leaders spoke of a major shopping development taking shape in the next two years and a need to get started on one of the Vision's five sectors to steamroller developers into action.

Wiltshire County Council chief executive Dr Keith Robinson was joined by West Wiltshire District Council's corporate director Ian Gallin and chief executive Andrew Pate, to urge residents and business owners to keep the faith.

But the three leaders were given a rough ride on Thursday, with business owners demanding to know why office jobs were being neglected and school students reiterating the needs of the town's younger generation.

Property developer Brian Fitchett said ignoring the demand for commercial space could cost up to 5,000 jobs.

"They are underestimating the demand. We have too many people for the few jobs available," he said.

Helen Mason, a teacher at John of Gaunt School, said bringing people into the town at night must be a prime concern for council leaders.

"We're hoping to see something vibrant in the town in the evenings. It does not have to be a 10-screen cinema more public exhibition space or a concert hall would be just as valuable."

Vision sceptic Jeff Osborn, a Trowbridge county and district councillor, said signing up developers would be the only thing to convince people things were progressing.

But Chris Macer, president of Trowbridge Chamber of Commerce, said the mood among businesses had vastly improved in the past two years, thanks to the partnerships formed through the Vision project.