NAILSEA firms and shoppers are being asked to shape the town’s future as part of a regeneration scheme to promote and improve local shopping facilities.

A review into what the town centre currently offers is currently being carried out by national charity Action for Market Towns (AMT).

The surveys will look into retail offering, car parking, business confidence, shopper origin and public opinion.

The venture is costing �2,400 and is being jointly funded by the chamber of trade, Nailsea Town Council and the shopping centre owners. It has been inspired by Mary Portas’ national review into how to ensure the British high street survives the recession.

Ian Thompson, a letting agent for town centre shops, said it was a chance to safeguard Nailsea’s future.

He said: “The aim is that this will help guide the future work of Team Nailsea in getting the town back on its feet, and make it somewhere lost shoppers want to revisit time and again and to make it the place for locals near and farther afield, to want to shop.”

AMT representatives visited the town last month to look at the town’s signage, footfall and shopfronts and will publish their findings at the end of June.

Nailsea Chamber of Trade chairman Janet Hendey said it was vital AMT got as much feedback as possible from customers and businesses.

She said: “Obviously we want to make Nailsea a busy and vibrant area. The more who get involved at this stage, the more who will keep with us throughout this process.”

Sue Walker, assistant clerk for the town council, said despite the planned changes to Nailsea town centre, one thing that it does not want to see introduced is parking charges.

The surveys are available at www.nailseatowncouncil.gov.uk/yoursay