THE wheels driving Stroud's renaissance are in motion after plans to revitalise the town were launched.

The Project Stroud steering group held its first meeting to discuss the long-awaited rejuvenation plan - the result of three years research.

Over the next few years the group will seek funding aimed at making the town a more prosperous community and a better place to live.

The group is made up of local councils plus groups such as Stroud in Bloom and Stroud Civic Society.

Last month's inaugural meeting focused on the built environment. Shop front design, sign-posting, litter and disabled access were all on the agenda.

"The surfaces in the centre are diabolical," said Phil Hughes, chairman of the Stroud and District Access Group.

"And if people spent a couple of hundred quid on entrances it would bring a lot more people into the town."

Opinion was split over the need for more green spaces and was again divided when public transport was discussed.

Stroud Town councillor Chas Townley voiced concerns about the scrapping of transport interchange from this year's district budget.

"I think people are lining up to dump the project when it is discussed again," he said.

"The interchange is also about regenerating that part of town."

While Stroud Civic Society representative Tim Mars, said: "Public transport is a fantasy for a town like Stroud.

"It is ludicrous to have a double-decker-bus running to Amberley in the middle of the day.

"I think we should look very strongly at a subsidised taxi scheme." The group will meet again on January 17 to address local economic needs.

Project Stroud schemes include:

* The development of Lypiatt Park and House as a Lynn Chadwick Centre *The development of walking/heritage guide * Support for small businesses *Improving nightlife * Better support for local festivals * Preserving green space * The creation of a working wool heritage centre * More affordable housing