NEW plans for the future of the controversial Kingston Mill site in Bradford on Avon include the idea of setting up a small university presence in the town.

A working group set up consider the creation of a town trust to oversee major projects in Bradford has come up with a number of proposals which could be included in the final plans.

The trust, under the chairmanship of Sir Donald Maitland, has been holding discussions, with other organisations about possible uses for the western end of the site.

It is hoped a possible partnership with Bath University and other ventures could help with the development of an area to be set aside for small knowledge-based businesses and the creation of a lively town square with civic amenities, including a small university presence.

A spokesman for the developer, Taywood Homes, said the company was talking to interested parties about the possibilities and was also listening to townspeople.

She said: "People have been coming up with pretty positive ideas for the site. Taywood is keen to get the planning application in and it depends to a large degree on the public consultation."

She said Taywood still hoped to keep to the December deadline for plans to be submitted.

Last month's exhibition was attended by over 400 people who were able to comment on the design brief, but the floods forced the company to postpone the second stage of its public exhibitions, due this week.

It is now hoped the event can go ahead on November 9, 10 and 11 and people in the town have been asked to keep an eye out for publicity posters which will confirm the details.

The new exhibition will include the architects' broad ideas for the site including the proposed layout of the development and uses for buildings.

It will also incorporate details of which buildings are to be retained and the creation of a public riverside square.

Keith Lamey, managing director of Taywood Projects, said: "This series of exhibitions is part of our commitment to the people of Bradford on Avon to ensure a high quality development."

Townspeople will once again be able to comment on the ideas, and more detailed proposals are being prepared for a third exhibition, due to be held early in December.