TWO key developers have ordered survey work to be carried out on prime town centre sites as the pressure to profit from the Vision for Trowbridge project hots-up.

Glowbright and St Stephens Place Ltd, which together own the old Peter Black factory site, former Tesco site and Castle Place shopping centre, are drawing up proposals on how they see the town developing.

Surveyors will carry out probing work on all three locations along with the Civic Hall and St Stephen's Place car-park.

A spokesman for the developers stressed no deal had been made with either the town council or West Wiltshire District Council but proposals for the Civic Hall and car park would be included in the developers' blueprints.

Consultant Jeff Bishop, who is on the team employed by the Vision partnership led by West Wiltshire District Council, said it was no surprise developers had started their own surveys to keep their fingers on the pulse.

He said: "At the moment it is all about jostling for positions.

"We have got our work started so it is no surprise they want to get their foot in.

"I am sure they will try and sell us their ideas. They will want to maximise what they get for their sites.

"We don't want to be committed to one developer.

A spokesman for the two companies said they aimed to work with the Vision project leaders to come up with a vibrant scheme for Trowbridge.

She said: "The survey work we have commissioned will help us decide, after full and proper consultation with the district council and other important local bodies, what is feasible."

"We also want to reassure local people they will have ample opportunity to comment on our ideas."

Key issues due to be looked at in the vision blueprint include the possibility of a cinema, integrated bus and rail facilities and provision of housing, retail and office space.