TAXI drivers in Melksham have poured cold water on a £300,000 proposal to revamp the town centre.

Plans drawn up by London-based consultants Colin Davis Associates to improve town centre access for pedestrians went on show for the first time this month.

Taxi companies have reacted with anger to plans to move the rank from its Market Place location.

The proposal is part of a town-wide scheme to improve facilities for pedestrians in Melksham.

Wider pavements in High Street, a smaller roundabout in Market Place, the removal of car parking spaces and the taxi rank in Market Place and a minibus shuttle link between the town centre bus stops and the railway station are among other ideas put forward.

Husband and wife team Jim and Angela Elms, who run Jim's Taxis from their home in Westbury View, believe any ideas of moving the rank would cause chaos.

Mrs Elms said: "We have three vehicles but there are about 42 taxis in Melksham.

"We were thinking about a bigger base in Market Place and did not dream we could be moved altogether. We can't operate from anywhere else. It is in the ideal location.

"We will get involved in the consultation as it would be such bad news to move the rank. No other taxi drivers know about these plans."

More detailed plans will be submitted within weeks, when businesses and residents will be able to put their views forward in a series of public consultations.

Adrienne Westbrook, chair of Melksham 1st, said the plans would help improve pedestrian facilities in Melksham, which would bring more trade into the town.

"Everyone was invited to the earlier consultations and could have a look at the plans.

"There is still a long way to go and people can put their views forward. We have the money in the budget next year and it is important we use it.

"There have not been many traders coming along and I think it is important they get involved. It will be for the benefit of Melksham as a whole.

"The smaller roundabout and paved Market Place will enhance the whole area and make it much more attractive."

Henry King, president of Melksham Chamber of Commerce, said traders had been in uproar when they thought the town centre would be fully pedestrianised.

He said: "They seem to react to more negative situations but I want them to get more involved in looking at this new scheme.

"We don't know exactly what will happen but traders need to realise the project will change the look of the town centre and their input is needed."