CHARD could do with a facelift, but everyone needs to help . . . that was the general consensus at Chard Town Team’s meeting.

Key figures and businesses from the town have been putting their heads together to try to turn around Chard town centre’s dip in trade.

One project to help provide the facelift is a £6,200 transformation of Pig Lane, replacing the Tarmac, which had bec-ome broken and rutted, with block paving.

The project was paid for by South Somerset District Council, which put around £5,200 in the pot, and Chard Town Council , which paid £1,000.

Other ideas brought up at the meeting include businesses painting the fronts of their shops and plans to spruce up the ‘Welcome to Chard’ sign.

Garry Shortland, chairman of Chard Town Team, said he hopes people can help make the town look more attractive in time for the summer.

He said: “If you look at the successful business in the town they really make an effort and do all they can to entice people in.

“It was disappointing not to see more ideas from people who run shops because it’s not a balanced view and we’d love to hear their thoughts.

“Pig Lane’s the main artery from Sainsbury’s car park, and it was so uneven with people slipping down there, but now it’s a vast improvement.”

Another idea the town team is looking at is improving shops’ energy efficiency to cut their costs.

The first meeting of the new committee is on Monday at a time and venue to be confirmed, but anyone interested should call Garry on 07982-591025.