Work continues on three new artists’ studios and a community workshop at The Pound, in Corsham, and the arts centre would like to hear from people wishing to use them when they are completed in the autumn.

The centre is welcoming applications from emerging local artists who would like to be the Pound’s new artists-in-residence once the £190,000 renovation work, to the centre’s former restroom building, is complete.

Aspiring artists are being urged to apply to be based in one of the new studios for a period of up to five years.

Box office and marketing assistant Lucy Moore said: “Corsham is a very arty community and we hope to support some great aspiring local talent in our new studios.”

Mrs Moore also said that the Pound would be pleased to hear from any local groups who’d like to organise classes and artistic lessons.

The renovations, which began on March 19, are progressing well with workmen carrying out insulation work on the building and preparing to concrete the floor.

Most of the funds for the work has come from grants from Arts Council England, Wiltshire Council and a local trust as well as the sale of two cards created by Box artist Susie Brooks.

But the centre has also run an Artists in the Making appeal which aims to raise £10,000, towards the work. Donations can be made at the Pound, or by texting AITM12 and the amount to 70070.

For more information, call the Pound on (01249) 701628 or visit www.poundarts.org.uk