COMMUNITY spirit could be felt in full force on Monday night as residents, councillors and volunteers in Bradford on Avon set up a community planning group.

More than 40 people gathered at the first meeting in St Margaret's Hall to discuss a range of projects and ideas, which could improve life in the town and surrounding villages.

Jacky Nicholas, from West Wiltshire District Council, said: "This is all about partnership and working together to plan the future of the community. It is very important to get everyone involved, especially people who might not take part."

Ideas discussed at the meeting included plans for young people and several members were keen to set up a skate park.

The group is keen to get the views of as many local people as possible and especially wants to hear from youngsters in the town.

Jacqui Abbott from Wiltshire County Council said: "We intend to do a lot of public consultation and we are eager to get young people involved.

"I'm sure we will be going into the schools and talking to the students trying to find out what they would like to see in their town."

But it's not just young people the group want to target. Over the next few months the committee will be asking residents to get involved with the consultation process.

Another key issue that was discussed at the meeting was the area's need for a better public transport system.

Town mayor, Janet Repton, said: "I was really pleased to see so many volunteers come forward at the meeting on Monday.

"We want to get some co-ordination between the town and the surrounding villages. We are keen to hear from everyone but especially the young and the elderly to see what we can do to make their lives better."

The community development plan scheme has been ongoing in Wiltshire for the last two years and began in Salisbury.

It is believed that the county council has a small amount of money available for future projects but the majority of the funding is expected to come from successful Lottery bids.

Mrs Abbott said: "Once the Lottery board see the amount of research that has gone into the area's needs the group is more likely to receive funding."

The area's community planning group will hold its first meeting on December 19 at 6.30pm in St Margaret's Hall and everyone is welcome to attend.

If you would like further information about the Bradford Community Planning Group, please do not hesitate to contact Jackie Abbott on (01225) 713193 or Jacky Nicholas on (01225) 770346.