PEDESTRIANISING the town centre, moving the football club and opening a new secondary school are among the ideas for the future of Ilminster, it emerged this week.

The ideas were displayed at the annual town meeting on Thursday, and at a public exhibition at Greenfylde First School on Saturday where nearly 100 people attended.

The draft strategic vision is the work of Ilminster Town Council, which is now asking for feedback on the plans.

The aim of the project is to create a document that can be used to shape the future of Ilminster by planning authorities.

At the annual meeting, Ilminster Mayor Carol Goodall said: "Councillors have devoted an enormous amount of time and effort to developing a draft strategic vision for the town.

"This is very much a consultative document. We want to know what you think - what is good, what is not so good."

The vision splits the town into several zones and discusses possibilities and strategies for their future.

Among the proposals are:

* A business park gateway to the town at the old Horlicks site

* Moving the main football pitch and club to Brittens Field, further along Canal Way

* More police manpower and community involvement in crime prevention

* Abolishing the three-tier school system and switching to a two-tier set up, like that at Holyrood in Chard.

* A possible 'eastern relief road' connecting Shudrick Lane to the Kingstone road

* Enhancing the town centre through shop front improvements, paving stones, and possible pedestrianisation.

There will be much more on the proposals in future editions of the News and two more public consultation events are planned. And if you missed the displays last week, they should be appearing on-line at soon.

Tell us what you think - write to Postbag or email newsdesk@chardandilminsternews.co.uk or add your comments on-line in our new forums - click on the forum link below.