A new youth shelter and better farmers' market are a couple of ideas already being mooted, but project organiser Katherine Geddes wants to hear more.

Stratford District Council intends to spend £25,000 on the town every year for the next three years.

But according to the Dassett area co-ordinator, it is up to residents to decide how.

She said: "The money has to be spent on projects that fall into the categories of either economy, environment, social or community.

"I would like parents and young people to get involved and put forward their ideas for how the town should develop.

"This is people's chance to have a real say in the future of the town and to make it an even nicer place to live.

"There are about five people involved so far but it would be good to have at least 15."

Other project ideas include supporting Southam Business Club, moving and developing the farmers' market, which is held on Wood Street car park every second Saturday of the month, and creating cycle routes to and through the town.

The town is also going to benefit from an additional £25,000 investment from Advantage West Midlands and the Market Towns Initiative.

The money was secured for Southam by the district council to make it more attractive to visitors.

After a three-day survey of visitors last summer and consultation with businesses, an application for how it should be used is about to be submitted.

Suggestions include the installation of 'finger' signposts, interpretation panels on buildings such as the Old Mint and the Elizabethan pharmacy, and a healthy walk around the town with benches placed at viewpoints.

Anyone who would like to get involved with the project should call Mrs Geddes on 01789 260102 or email katherine.geddes@stratford-dc.gov.uk