PLANS to revamp Corsham's shopping precinct have been branded as nothing more than a cheap tart-up.

The multi-million pound scheme was unveiled in a glossy presentation by developers Castlefield Land and Springvale Properties, and precinct owners North Wiltshire District Council yesterday.

Somerfield will be extended, more shops built, the existing shops refurbished inside and out, the car park extended from 85 spaces to 111, new toilets built, and part of the walkway will have a glazed roof.

The Methodist Chapel will be refurbished and turned into a restaurant or wine bar.

But townspeople say the long-awaited revamp falls short of what many wanted.

Town council chairman Roger Fido said: "It will be an improvement, but if anyone is hoping it will match in with the High Street, they are hoping against hope.

"From what we gather they are not going to rebuild at all, but are going to glaze it in from Somerfield to the bank. It is just tarting it up to make it look better."

Somerfield will double in size.

Mr Fido said: "That is good news as there is no doubt that Somerfield just doesn't have the shelf space for a town of 10,000 people.

"It's our only supermarket but it is very limited in what it offers. It is good to see that Somerfield is committed to Corsham."

Town clerk Elaine Giles said: "We are concerned the expectations of Corsham residents are not going to be met by these plans."

Corsham town, district and county councillor Peter Davis said the precinct stood out like a sore thumb.

He said: "The precinct is looking tired, dated and not in keeping with the historic character of Corsham. It's 1960s concrete.

A planning application is due to go before district councillors early in the new year. It includes the suggestion to rename the precinct The Anchor Centre to mark the town's former naval links.

The district council has said the revamp will not cost it a penny and it is understood Castlefields will be given a long lease on the precinct.

District council leader David Packham said: "This scheme is certainly needed in Corsham as the precinct is looking very tatty.

"The re-development is long overdue and will give Corsham the sort of shopping area it needs.

"I am delighted the council has been able to put this project together.

"We are expecting it to be successful as it is a partnership scheme. We are not funding it."

Gill Stewart, deputy manager of The Factory Shop, said the revamp was welcome to retailers.

She said: "The mall definitely needs improving. The state of it does put people off.

"It is not cleaned regularly and there is a problem with youths riding skateboards and bikes.

"The shop we are in had been empty for years and was vandalised before we took it over.

"Trade has declined in the town, and we welcome anything that will help improve the look of Corsham."