A CONSULTATION exercise aimed at giving Shipston people the chance to have their say on the future development of the town starts tomorrow.

Developers Ainscough Strategic Land (ASL), want input into the development of a site on Campden Road. They have already had talks with business leaders, planners and politicians and are now seeking views from local people.

A consultation bus, which will include an exhibition of Shipston’s history, will tour the town and surrounding area with members of the company’s design team on board to listen to what the community has to say about the town’s future.

The bus will visit the town centre, Cherington and Upper and Lower Brailes tomorrow and will return to the town centre and visit Tredington and Ilmington on Saturday.

Following the tour, the first event in what ASL describes as a “comprehensive consultation” will be a workshop at Townsend Hall, Sheep Street, next Tuesday from 6pm to 8.30pm.

Initial ideas for the site include a food store, homes, including affordable housing, business space and start-up units.

The developers are also looking at providing accommodation for the elderly, health facilities, parkland, allotments, community buildings and new cycle and footpaths.

ASL managing director, Nigel McGurk, said: “We are looking to encourage discussions about all issues – for example, the need for new housing may be easily understood, but a discussion is needed about how a new food store could provide choice and reduce long journeys, whilst at the same time maintaining the vibrancy of the town centre. Development should strengthen Shipston’s economy and its offer in an holistic way. We want to encourage an open and honest discussion about how best to achieve this.”

A bus tour schedule is available at shipstonforward.co.uk.