Civic leaders have called a public meeting to present proposed changes to Yeovil over the next 20 years.

"The Yeovil Vision" was published earlier this year and sets out major changes by developing the economy without destroying character or environment.

South Somerset District Council has announced the meeting will take place in the Baptist Church, South Street, at 7pm on Wednesday (August 6th).

Derby-based consultants consultant flyinggiraffe limited is behind a study proposing a number of initiatives.

As reported at the time, the main message was that Yeovil must stop thinking of itself as a market town, but instead should adopt "the mind of a city and the heart of the country".

The town must get rid of its nondescript image and residents must also think of the country park and Yeovil Junction as part of the town centre, consultants said.

The purchase and demolition of the white building in The Borough (to make the church more visible) was only one of many radical suggestions.

Others included the staging of Europe's biggest fireworks display and appointing a world class architect to design a hospital.

A need to accommodate smaller, quality independent stores in The Quedam and High Street was also identified.

To make the vision a reality, consultants say three things are needed; courageous public investment; risky private investment; leadership with impact.

Civic leaders were told that that things aren't always straightforward and an element of ridicule might appear during the early stages.

Barnsley, which is trying to image itself as a Tuscan hill town, was used as an example.

Many people and organisations laughed at the initiative but things changed when the Regional Development Agency bought the head lease for a huge shopping centre in the town, according to the consultant.

The consultant was appointed by South Somerset District Council, and the next step is a series of presentations in early August.

Chamber of trade president David Mills said: "We fully back these meetings as we are convinced the Yeovil Vision will have a major impact on everyone who lives or works in the Yeovil area. "If businesses or private individuals want to have the best understanding of, and influence on, the vision - now is the time to get on board and find out what is happening.

"This Vision represents one of the most important crossroads in Yeovil's history".

*A meeting for businesses only will be held at 8am at The Manor Hotel, Yeovil, on Thursday August 7th.

Advance booking for the business meeting is essential via Anita on (01332) 344117 or [email protected]">[email protected]