ARCHITECTS, builders, developers and estate agents and homeowners are to be given a new design guide to help preserve Bradford on Avon's Georgian ambience.

Two thousand copies of the step-by-step guide have been produced by the Bradford on Avon Preservation Trust to be handed out to anyone who wants one.

The guide has been written by conservation architect Harry Whittaker, who works in Bath but lives in Bradford on Avon.

It has been published by the Trust's planning committee, chaired by Rosie Macgregor, and was launched on Thursday March 5 at the West Barn in Bradford on Avon.

Mr Whittaker said: "Much of Bradford on Avon town centre is situated within a conservation area and it contains numerous listed buildings.

"It is important that the town retains its essential historic character and appearance and remains an attractive destination for tourism as well as a desirable place to live and work.

"This guide highlights some of the key historic character and features of the architecture of the town.

"It aims to inform prospective homeowners, developers, architects and builders alike of the importance of these local characteristics.

"The aim is to encourage 'best practice' by any party capable of degrading the town's ambience.

"We must all be aware of the need to repair and retain what has been passed down to us and to encourage good detailing in the design of new buildings within the local area."

The guide is divided into sections covering listed buildings and conservation areas, walls and finishes, roofs and roof finishes, windows, dormer windows, glass, doors, chimneys, hard landscaping, residential design, shopfront design and street clutter such as signs and display boards.

It also has a section of useful links at the end to point readers to other bodies and organisations they may need to approach, such as Historic England.

Ms Macgregor said the guide has been "four years" in the making and had been devised by a committee who regularly met at the Dandy Lion pub.

She added: "We are not intending to charge people for the guide. We are trying to give something back to the town to help preserve its essential character and appearance."

Copies of the guide are available from the Bradford on Avon Preservation Trust on 01225 865733, or email hello@bradfordheritage.co.uk