TOWN councillors and traders have hit back at claims that Corsham is a dying town and say that despite several setbacks over the last few months, they are sure it is a place where businesses can thrive.

Several shops have closed in the town centre in the last year, with the latest blow being the BBC confirmation that they would not be returning to Corsham to film the second series of Poldark.

But Coun Ruth Hopkinson, chairman of the town council, remains optimistic. She said: “As a town council, our whole purpose is to promote the right environment for businesses to flourish in Corsham and what we have done is take a holistic view over what the town needs and we are working on accomplishing that.

“The thing about Corsham is that there is a common goal between the invested interests and I think the one thing that sets us apart is the sense of community we have and that is at the centre of everything we are doing and trying to do.”

Residents supporting local businesses is one way the local economy in Corsham will be rejuvenated according to Bill Hall, owner of the Martingate Centre, who has slammed claims that he has put the rent up on businesses in the shopping precinct.

He said: “The problem of businesses closing is a national issue and it will take time for the planning system to catch up with the retail environment.

“The more we bring young people into the town the better. There are lots going on behind the scenes on making the town the best it can be. Despite what has been said, we have not put our rent up and what I want to do is help businesses get started in the town.”

Local salon owner Angela Martin has also launched a loyalty card scheme for locals where by paying a one-off fee of £10 a year, they will receive a 10 per cent discount from independent retailers.

As part of their plans to attract more people to the town, the town council will be supporting Small Business Saturday in November where free parking will be available all day.

David Martin, chief executive of the town council, added that the newly-published results of the public realm study have highlighted concerns of residents which they are now working towards improving, including better signs on Pickwick Road to alert visitors to the shops on the High Street.

For more information about the study and improvements to the town, visit www.corsham.gov.uk