A series of quick hits to rejuvenate South Woodham town centre will soon be put into action.

This will be followed by a long-term strategic plan to make the town more attractive to potential and existing businesses, and residents, said Chelmsford town centre manager Cathy MacBride this week.

Mrs MacBride attended a town council planning committee meeting on Tuesday to discuss a future action plan, which will be implemented after April 1 this year when Mrs MacBride and her assistant officially begin working for South Woodham as well as Chelmsford.

"We have already started discussions with the town clerk to make sure that we hit the ground running on April 1," said Mrs MacBride.

"One of the most important things is to start discussions with businesses, residents and community groups, which will be one of the first things on my agenda."

Among the ideas discussed at the meeting were holding a town day to be held in early May to promote the town show, a best kept garden, street and school competition, new town signage and proms in Compass Gardens.

A sailing regatta, a competition to re-name Central Park, street entertainment in the town centre and a Christmas festival of lights were also suggested.

Mrs MacBride also proposed that South Woodham Town Council considered setting up a town centre steering group to have a dedicated workforce concentrating on regeneration issues.

Cllr Malcolm Case, who developed the original town regeneration strategy, said he fully supported these ideas.

"The fact that we now have a town centre manager, even on a part-time basis, is excellent news," he said.

"With the best will in the world, councillors are not experts at town regeneration but the manager will bring the expertise that we require.

"I am absolutely certain that she can and will make a real difference to the town.

"South Woodham town centre is becoming a bit tired and Chelmsford was going the same way, but since Cathy's appointment it has become absolutely thriving," he said.

"Whatever is happening at Chelmsford, let's see if it can be done for South Woodham."

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.