We have far to many Pubs and late night takeaways in Melksham, producing far to much drunkenness and anti social behaviour, which spoils everyone’s quality of life !! The council planners should be shot to allow it to get to this state.
We need far less of these and more smart daytime shops and services making Melksham a much nicer place to live and encourage more visitors and even dare I say it tourists to our fair town.

I would love more smart shops - open daytime AND at some times that the 70% of the working population who still do 9 - to - 5 can use them ... and to see Melksham attracting more tourists. We tend to decry our own town - there's actually a lot of good, as well as good potential. When I asked someone "in the know" last week, he identified around 10 retail units that are available for rent ... so there's an opportunity for you and your mates to open one, Melkshamgirl ;-)

Trowbridge's Chicago Café...I think that one stands out as well as an example. Don't get me wrong, I am all for promoting new business in to town. And yes, we do have a lot of eateries here (but they manage to stay afloat). It's the pubs that aren't doing as well. Frankly, I would hate to see Melksham return to THE place for underage drinkers to go on a Thursday night...or even every night if this goes through. The nightclub is going to attract those from neighbouring towns, yes, but they won't be spending money in our town centre during the day, and with no bus service to the spot intended, I pity the neighbours in the surrounding residential areas at closing time. I also question whether there will be time to clean the place up in time to open bright and early for our tots to then have all-day fun play. Frankly, I'd rather see a no-alcohol zone there with something the whole family can enjoy, such as a cinema, 10-pin bowling, arcade games, etc. They'd definitely get my business then. I think Boomerang need to study the Chicago Café case before they invest a whole bunch of money they may end up regretting in a year.

What we really need is more forward thinking business people to take over and develop some our existing businesses and empty units !! Not an easy call in the current financial climate I know but I know local people would appreciate and support this with open arms.
lets put Melksham back on the map for the right reasons. Nice shops a great place to visit !! Not late night anti social behaviour drunks and kebab shop take away wrappers everywhere, smashed shop window,s, but a place where we can walk through our town at any hour day or night without fear, now there’s a thought…

"Party in the Park this year will have a complete ban on ALL alcohol being brought on site" - Surely this is just going to boost the profits for the event rather than prevent people getting drunk & causing trouble etc? Hopefully it will prevent the kids taking in their cases of Stella though.