A comprehensive consultation exercise will take place in Yeovil next week when district council staff will target strategic places in the town.

Almost £1 million has been set aside to regenerate the eastern end of the town centre.

Council bosses are eager to improve the area next to the new flagship leisure centre.

A statement issued by the council last week said: "With dilapidated buildings and many retail units in need of a face lift, the eastern end of Yeovil's town centre is regarded as a priority area for investment and renewal."

Explaining the up-coming consultation exercise, regeneration officer Marie Ainsworth said: "We want to know what people want in the eastern end of town. We would like their views on potential community projects, shopping facilities, ways to improve the living environment - and even what the

streets should look like in terms of landscaping, street furniture and

lighting."

Council staff will be at hand to register what members of the public have to

say and, weather permitting, a 3-D model will be brought to give a clear

picture of the area.

"It is a colourful, if fairly low-tech, way of helping people to express

their ideas," Ms Ainsworth said about the model.

Council staff will be available from 10am until 4pm at the following

locations: "Monday September 2nd - Tesco, Tuesday - Middle Street

(entertainment area), Wednesday - Middle Street (Quedam entrance), Thursday

- Quedam Shopping Centre, Friday - the market outside Somerfields, Saturday

- Middle Street (Quedam entrance).