Many people have taken the opportunity to view plans which show what a future Stafford town centre could look like.

Over the past few weeks, around 600 people participated in drop-in sessions where attendees could view blueprint plans for the all new town centre with officers on-hand to answer any potential questions.

Stafford Borough Council said: "The majority of people welcomed what they had seen, gave plenty of feedback - and said the council should now get on with it."

The 'Development Framework' (the plan) proposes major changes and improvements for Stafford including a new market hall, with artisan retail, food court, entertainment and business start-ups, a variety of accommodation, pocket parks, enhanced public spaces and an expansion to the college.

Leader of Stafford Borough Council, Aidan Godfrey, said: "It was great to be able to talk to people face to face about what the exciting proposals are for our county town.

"Most were supportive of what they could see but it was also good to listen to their concerns - as well as being able to address some misinformation."

The town's redevelopment began when the borough council used government money to buy the Guildhall Shopping Centre and the derelict former Co-op Department store.

Both buildings have now been knocked down with demolition of the old Wilko building currently underway.

Stafford Borough Council said: "The groundwork undertaken by the council using government funding has helped spark interest from potential developers who are keen to invest in the area.

"An earlier report to cllrs stated that with people's shopping habits and leisure requirements changing, old-fashioned town centres across the country were no longer fit for purpose and needed to evolve."

Stafford businesses attended an earlier event at St Mary's Church last month.

Over the last few weeks five public sessions have taken place at the Guildhall Shopping Centre, the last of which was on 5 September.

Local, Diane Harris, 68, said: "I've seen a lot of changes over the years, and it would be nice to see the town transformed as soon as possible.

"What I have seen today looks good - now they have just got to get on with it."

Cllr Godfrey continued: "What we are looking at is a shift away from tired and vacant shopfronts in a high street that operates primarily in the daytime to a place that people are proud to live in and, equally importantly, want to spend their time in.

"Thank you to everyone who took the time to come along and discuss the framework, share their views, and leave comments.

"I hope they will feel better informed about what is going on - and we will take on board what they want to see, and just as importantly, what they want protected, as part of this major transformation of the town centre."