Is town 'Vision' actually viable?

Besides the obvious meaning 'the power of sight', it went on to list 'something supposedly seen in a dream, trance, etc; a mental image, the ability to perceive something not actually visible'. Or should we change the last word to viable?

The plans to turn the centre of Trowbridge into a European town do seem like a dream or should it be a nightmare? Is it not the narrow winding streets and interesting small shops which make European towns attractive?

Trowbridge is a former woollen town and a part of rural England we should be proud of. We should be trying to protect our heritage, not ripping out its heart and turning it into another sterile shopping complex.

Do the townsfolk of Trowbridge really want a huge market square created by the demolition of the island block between Castle Street and Fore Street, mentioned in Cllr Milroy's letter last week, with the loss of Knees, Woolworth's, Boots, Adams etc to name just a few of the thriving businesses located there.

Red Hat Lane and Narrow Wine Street would also be lost, names that are part of our town's history, and replaced by a huge market place (which would soon end up as a very good skateboard park).

Cllr Milroy mentioned this would open up views of the church and the town hall does this mean properties from the entrance of Church Walk to the junction with Castle Street will also need to be demolished as at present they stand in the way of the church? And the town hall can be seen perfectly well from the existing layout of Fore Street.

It has been mentioned that businesses involved may like to take the opportunity to relocate but has it occurred to planners that these businesses like being where they are right in the centre of the town.

There are currently several vacant units in the Shires and around town. If these units cannot be let, it could prove equally difficult to attract new businesses.

The development of a 'waterside' area also seems a fanciful dream.

The River Biss does not have enough water flow to turn it into 'an attractive area with aquatic features,' or does the Vision have plans to increase the water level? I would be interested to know how.

The river was widened and a footpath provided a number of years ago, but there has been very little done to keep the shrubbery pruned and the river free of shopping trolleys and other debris; perhaps planners should maintain what we have now before attempting to turn it into an Avon or Thames.

I am not a stick in the mud or killjoy and would love to see a wider range of shops in Trowbridge, but not at the expense of those businesses that have served us well over the years.

It is also certain that someone is going to make a great deal of money out of this Vision and I am concerned our councillors could be having the wool pulled over their eyes.

To quote from The Emporer's New Clothes, 'not wanting to appear fools' councillors could be talked into seeing what the planners want them to, whereas residents could be the small boy who actually 'saw' the King had nothing on.

P MALE,

Trowbridge.