NEWS that Melksham has been picked as a pilot regeneration project has been the cause of much celebration.

Last week it was confirmed that the town had made huge progress as part of the Five Towns Initiative and was now set to receive extra funding from a new government programme for country towns.

Melksham has been chosen for a pilot project for the South West Market and Coastal Towns Initiative and will receive £25,000 to help organise events, promote best practice and draw up improvement plans.

Action has been spearheaded by community group Melksham First and one of the key players is town councillor Adrienne Westbrook. She was thrilled with the announcement, made at last week's five towns annual conference.

"It is amazing that Melksham has been piloted and will be receiving more money for exciting projects. It is very important for all of us and we look forward to taking the town into the future," said Cllr Westbrook.

Through Melk-sham First the town centre has already seen something of a face lift. Hanging baskets and planters, new street furniture and new signage are short-term

successes.

A website project is in the pipeline and the first steps are being made to establish a museum. Suitable premises are being sought, funding being investigated and a feasibility study launched.

Ideas for the future of the town will be discussed at a Melksham 2000 conference at George Ward School on November 25 and 26.

More than 200 people in the community will come together to discuss action plans and ideas.

"If everyone gets involved then people will take pride in their town and community partnerships will solve our problems. We hope to thrash out lots of ideas at the conference," said Cllr Westbrook.