What does Cirencester need? Following the news that the town is getting a cinema, reporter Megan Archer asked residents what they think their home is really lacking.

EVERYONE in Cirencester has an opinion on what the town needs, and they were not shy to tell The Standard what they think.

Responses ranged from a Nando’s restaurant and a bowling alley, to more GP surgeries and a police station with longer opening times.

Putting the question out on Facebook and Twitter, people in the town were quick to say what they would most like to see pop up in their area.

Facebook user Claire Louise Hughes said she would love to see more fashion shops such as Next, River Island, and Topshop.

Other people echoed her idea and made calls for other national chains like a Wetherspoon pub and Iceland food store.

However, others slammed the prospect of chain shops in the town, saying they did not want to see Cirencester inundated with these types of stores.

Alettia Elwin wanted to see Cricklade Street in the town centre completely refurbished, saying: "I would like to see something done to encourage people to shop further down Cricklade Street as those shops often struggle.

“I also think we should make more of our farmers' market. It’s really small compared to other towns and it’s a great way of getting tourists and their money into Cirencester.”

Luke Edwards agreed, saying that Cirencester is an "upmarket Cotswolds town" and should keep the shops that fit that image.

"If you live in Cirencester and want cheaper shops move to Swindon,” he said.

Mayor of Cirencester Joe Harris admitted he would like to see a multi-storey car park in the town.

"A lot of residents write to me about the problem with parking,” he said. “If you had a multi-storey car park it would be a real asset for the town. It would be easier to lower parking charges too.”

While MP for the Cotswolds, Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, said he would be keen to see solar panels installed on the cinema when it is built.

”We need to ensure that it is environmentally friendly, perhaps with solar panels to generate its own electricity,” he said.

The president of Cirencester Chamber of Commerce, Anthony Flynn, said that, speaking personally, he would like to see more men’s designer fashion options.

“I would also like to see the various shopping areas of the town get their own identity, but to be integrated better,” he said.

“I am quite a visual person, so really overall I would like to see some of the Blackjack Street and Post Office feel spread to more areas of the town.

"Perhaps we could have areas such as a food quarter and a fashion quarter and an art quarter, for example.

He added that he would also like to see a 'Park and Stride' option in the town, and a way to connect Chesterton with the centre for pedestrians and cyclists.

What do you think Cirencester needs? Email reporter Megan Archer at mar@wiltsglosstandard.co.uk

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard:

Chloe Broad, 18, Cirencester
“I think the parking could definitely be improved and maybe we could have some chain restaurants like Nandos. There are a lot of local Indian and Italian restaurants. I’d like a Top Shop, H&M too. Not there is not much for young people. Also more bar areas, there are lots of pubs. But I would go for better shopping overall.”


Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard:

Fergus Marchington, 23, Cirencester
“I would personally love a Nandos.”


Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard:

Elaine, 64, and Ted Burley, 62 from Cirencester
Elaine: “We need some entertainment for older children.”
Ted: “Decent restaurants but that is beginning to improve with the new restaurants coming with the cinema. If you suddenly want to eat out at 9pm everywhere is closed. But this is getting better.


Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard:

David Hope, Coates, 66
“I’d like some kind of theatre or performance space. The Sundial Theatre is too far out. The town is large enough to support it.”