FUNDRAISERS hoping to build a £260,000 nature reserve in Trowbridge are stepping up their campaign to turn their dream into reality.

Volunteers behind the Hope Nature Centre project, earmarked for empty land at Southwick Country Park, are halfway towards their fundraising target, but still need another £130,000 to get wheels in motion.

Planning permission has already been granted for a visitor centre and nature trail, which will provide a workplace for up to 40 adults with learning difficulties.

Project leader June Fleming said if everyone in Trowbridge donated

£1 they would be even closer to their target.

She said: "What we really want is for the people of Trowbridge and Wiltshire to look at this project in a different light.

"I don't think people realise the lack of facilities there are for adults with learning difficulties.

"There is a big void with plenty of services for the profoundly handicapped, but nothing for those in between. This centre will give them dignity as well as a place to work. At the moment they are the forgotten few."

Trowbridge primary schools are backing the centre while inmates at Erlestoke Prison are making a specially designed rabbit village to go in the finished centre. A miniature railway, putting green, play area, shop and tearoom are included in early plans.

An auction of promises was held at Southwick Baptist Church before Christmas raising £1,800.

Organisers hope the next wave of fundraising events might bring them closer to their goal.

Mrs Fleming said: "We are asking members of the public to hold coffee mornings, children to bake cakes, anything to raise money. This project is my baby and has been important to me from the beginning. The number of people coming up to me and asking how things are going is unbelievable."

Up to 15 acres of land have been secured for the project.

If Trowbridge Town Football Club moves onto Southwick Country Park, Mrs Fleming believes it could help rejuvenate the area.

"If the club moves there it could bring in more business. This is a chance to develop the whole park," she said.

"It could revolutionise Trowbridge and give the community something to get excited about."