STUDENTS in Corsham are helping to run a campaign to encourage shoppers into the town to boost retail trade.

Consider Corsham is the result of a partnership between North Wiltshire District Council, Corsham Area Community Partnership and the town's chamber of commerce.

Year 12 business students from The Corsham School have spent the past six months developing the campaign's marketing strategy under the guidance of businessman Allan Bosely. Posters, brochures and a website are encouraging people to sample 'fantastic shopping in a unique setting'.

Mr Bosely, who is chairman of the Corsham Area Community Partnership, said: "This project is demonstrating that community planning can really work."

Recent research has shown local residents are keen to shop in Corsham and say the town has a lot to offer including free parking and good bus links to neighbouring towns and villages.

Precinct traders met north Wiltshire MP James Gray last week to discuss a recent downturn in trade.

Mr Gray said: "I am concerned to learn about the downturn in business in the precinct, which at the moment is partly due to ongoing development.

"We must consider how to encourage visitors back to shop in the town once the development is over."

The campaign website www.considercorsham.com contains further details on Corsham's shops.