COUNCILLORS have been criticised for failing to keep residents of Amesbury informed about what is happening, particularly concerning development of the town centre.

Tony Pryor-Jones, a founder member of the Vision of Amesbury group and leading light of the Stonehenge Estate resident's association, launched his attack at the annual town meeting, which followed the March town council meeting.

Mr Pryor-Jones said he was raising the issue because a lot of people had approached him expressing their "disquiet" about the development of the town centre, the lack of progress and lack of information.

He asked: "Has the council and the district council forgotten us as more and more effort is put into Salisbury's problems?

"Some 13 months ago, the town council was referring to the progress being made, the forthcoming relocation of the occupants of Redworth House and how the arrival of the new supermarket was going along nicely.

"In May last year, we were told financial details were being finalised on Redworth House and progress was on target for a start in the autumn and completion in April 2004.

"There was talk of the supermarket being up and running by the summer of 2004.

"Then the trail stopped. What has happened and what is happening?"

Mr Pryor-Jones was at pains not to lay too much of the blame on Amesbury town councillors who, he said, had worked tirelessly to get the central development plan going.

He said much of the blame should be levelled at the district council's northern area committee and the district council.

He said residents wanted to know that councillors were looking after their interests, even if things were going wrong.

Councillor John Noeken said this was valid criticism.

He said: "There has been a hiccup with the vacation of Redworth House, following the reorganisation of Wiltshire county council's social services department."

He said it was hoped to have all staff out of Redworth House by the end of March and then the building would be demolished ready for a start on constructing the new supermarket.

Mr Noeken assured the meeting that, although there were three supermarkets with an interest in the town centre site, the Co-op had had its plans approved and it was "anxious to make a start".

He added: "We have had nothing but delay and trepidation over the past two years.

"This was out of the hands of Amesbury councillors at district level but, without doubt, there should have been more public statements."