A TRIO of town businessmen are looking to spend £350,000 on expanding a popular caf bar in Chippenham and hope to invest more than £1m elsewhere.

Entrepreneurs David Poole, 41, Les Weir, 52, and Peter Jones, 50, will submit a planning application to North Wiltshire District Council within the next week to transform Fizz caf bar at The Bridge.

If plans are approved, they hope to extend the building to create a first floor lounge and balcony, extra space on the ground floor, and a decking area next to the river.

Mr Weir said the business, which has been open for 18 months, has become increasingly popular and believes its concept can be transferred to other towns in the country.

The three directors, who all live in Chippenham, have declared an interest in two other premises in Weymouth and Poole.

"We are very enthusiastic about our plans and we hope the people of Chippenham back them," said Mr Weir, who has been behind housing developments in Hardenhuish Lane and Langley Burrell and was vice chairman of Chippenham Town Football Club when they were runners-up in the FA Vase in 2000.

"I think we have a successful concept because during the day we offer teas and coffees and in the evening we offer something for the youngsters in the town. Our business is also policed well and we don't tolerate any trouble which helps make people feel safe."

Mr Weir said each of the three directors had their own field of expertise which would ensure the business will continue to thrive.

After the district council turned down their proposal to turn Goldiggers in Timber Street back into a nightclub, bar and function rooms, the partners turned their attentions to the former Dreams bed shop near the Western Arches but there were complications.

Talking about the Fizz caf bar venture, Mr Weir said: "Our expansion plans will mean we will be able to entertain people of all ages and provide functions and wedding receptions."

Mr Jones said: "Our main hope is for North Wiltshire District Council to see the necessity for the development because the river bank is not used particularly well."