PEOPLE have responded enthusiastically to a call to make Melksham an age-friendly town.

They packed out a special public meeting on Monday at Melksham Town Hall Council Chamber. More than 100 people attended the meeting, organised by Melksham Seniors Group.

Jessica Entwistle, from the Centre for Ageing Better, presented the case for Melksham to become an age-friendly society.

Brian Warwick, Chairman of Melksham & District Seniors’ 55+ Forum, said: “We were thrilled to bits. It was a remarkable turn-out and was absolutely packed. A great and enthusiastic meeting gave unanimous support for the project.

“Now the hard work needs to start in creating a 3 and 5 year action and implementation plan. This is a fantastic opportunity to create a strong and friendly community for all ages.”

Among the organisations represented were Wiltshire Council, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service and the NHS.

Mr Warwick, who is vice-chair of the South West Forum on Ageing, added: “Active ageing is a lifelong process and an age-friendly approach is not just ‘elderly friendly’, it benefits all age groups, with planning now and ensuring we provide the right desirable environment and facilities for a long and happy life style, we all benefit.

“The World Health Organisation (WHO) is at the very heart of promoting the concept and supporting communities such as Melksham. The WHO key strategy is to facilitate the inclusion of older persons to making our world more age-friendly.

“It will take time, but much can be achieved in a relatively quick period with steady progression to creating Melksham as a truly age-friendly community.”

Mr Warwick hopes the meeting and a workshop that followed will set the seniors’ most important and achievable priorities. These could include making outdoor buildings and public places pleasant, safe and accessible, making community transport affordable and accessible, and making sure that good health and community support services are available.

The South West Forum also wants to improve opportunities for seniors to be socially active, ensure an adequate number of public toilets, and making sure that retirement housing is affordable, safe and well designed.

If you require more information, please contact Brian Warwick on 01225 792959, or e-mail him at brian.warwick@mac.com.