RESIDENTS in Williton are being given a insight into what the future could hold for the village when a detailed study is put on show this weekend
The work has been carried out by students at the University of the West of England who have been looking at ways to improve Williton by turning their ideas in sketches, maps and diagrams.
Representatives from Williton Chamber of Commerce, the parish council and district council saw the work in the preliminary stages and felt it should be exhibited more widely.
The display will be set up in the Red Cross Centre on both Saturday and Sunday to coincide with the village hall fete and villagers are being encouraged have a look and comment on the findings.
Parish council chairman Cllr Ian Aldridge said that once the work had been submitted to examiners it would have just gathered dust so the exhibition was suggested.
"The results are very creative, imaginative and stimulating. The prospect was that after submitting their work to the examiners as part of their final year degree course, and exhibiting it at university, it would have been left to gather dust," he said.
"Williton is at a crossroads in more way than one. The two busiest highways in West Somerset join at the village before continuing to Minehead.
"The future of the village is also at crossroads with its economy in a fragile state after the effects of years of neglect, piecemeal development and the devastating effects of BSE and the foot and mouth disease on farming."
Cllr Aldridge added: "Williton needs to plan for the future and this is the start of a public debate of what is wanted and what is practical for us to prepare for the next generation. It is hoped that as many people as possible will visit the exhibition and gain an insight into what could be done."
The Red Cross Centre will be open to visitors on Saturday from 10am to 5pm and from 10am to 1pm on Sunday.