UP TO 11,000 leaflets have been sent to residents in Melksham detailing new schemes and projects planned for the next decade.

Civic leaders hope the consultation plan will spark renewed interest from the public in the future development of Melksham.

CCTV surveillance cameras, improved railway and bus links, plans for a newer more pedestrian-friendly town centre, and a proposal for sports pitches, are all included in the ambitious plan.

The framework is the first step towards a massive injection of cash into the town.

The money will primarily stem from the South West Regional Development Agency but other agencies, including English Heritage and Wiltshire County Council, will contribute to the pool of cash.

All the projects included in the action plan will be able to bid for money over the next five-10 years.

Council officials from Melksham visited Bridport on Wednesday to see how the Dorset market town organised its community plan.

Cllr Adrienne Westbrook, of Melksham First, said the plans signalled an exciting future for everyone in Melksham.

She said: "The community plan will let people know all the projects that we are planning to undertake in the next 10 years. It has taken 18 months to complete.

"It will allow us to finally get money from the regional development agency, with project leaders able to bid for funds when we have set up a brokering table.

"We want to get people's opinions on all sorts of projects including more sports pitches and the town centre improvement scheme.

"It is also important to let people know about projects that have been completed, like the youth caf."

Final blueprints showing proposed changes to the town centre will be put on show later this month.

The consultation process is expected to take at least 12 months. Taxi drivers incensed at proposals to move the rank from Market Place are now involved in the process.

Up to 5,000 extra copies of the community plan will be kept in the town library, tourist information office and council chambers.