People in Melksham think the best thing about the town is how friendly people are and its community spirit, according to an online survey carried out by the Town Team.

The good variety of supermarkets, the Christmas lights and flowers around the town were also chosen as being some of the best features of the area.

Miriam Zaccarelli, from the Town Team, said: “We discussed the results at the last meeting and agreed that it was great that community spirit and friendliness came up so high as a positive of Melksham.

“There is a real pride among Melksham people for their town, and it has often been described as a ‘small town with a big heart'.

“In terms of the things that people didn’t like about Melksham, mostly it was to do with cleanliness and shabbiness. To tackle this, the Town Team are carrying out a few initiatives.”

The top suggestion for what Melksham needs is a shoe shop and more variety of stores. Voters said there are too many takeaways, charity shops and hairdressers.

Almost 100 people voted in the online survey in November and December last year, down from the 340 who took part in 2013.

The results are being reviewed by the Town Team, set up by the town council, which will be carrying out initiatives that include the Tidy Town days, joining in the Britain in Bloom South West and the Best Looking Business Award.