LITTER, vandalism and more entertainment for under 18s were some of the main topics raised by visitors to a Millennium exhibition in Sandbach.

The three day exhibition in the Town Hall and the Market Hall with a further display in the library was aimed at showing local people what ideas existed for the Millennium celebrations.

It attracted several hundred people and 125 filled in a questionnaire about the existing ideas and their own suggestions.

In the over 50 age group most people put litter, vandalism and pedestrianisation as suggestions for improvements.

Under 18s would like to see more events and entertainment for their age group.

Other suggestions involved traffic management, a town museum, a theatre and refurbishing and resiting the Dr Latham Memorial.

More than 84 per cent want to see an extended wildlife corridor and country walk around the town with 80 per cent supporting the revamping of the fountain at Hightown.

Three-quarters of people would like to see a bandstand in the town's park while 64 per cent preferred a mobile stage which could be taken to events.

The life size mock up of a new entrance sign for the town was popular and the idea that traffic islands on the edge of town should have a central feature representing Sandbach had 64 per cent support.

"I think that the exercise has been a success," said Aileen Thompson, chairman of the Millennium committee.

"People came and looked, they were interested in what we had to show them and they had useful and constructive comments to make.

"The questionnaire is hardly a scientific study but it does give us some idea of public opinion."

She added that people's comments and suggestions would be sent to the appropriate authorities.

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