PEOPLE in Malmesbury are being asked what kind of shop they would like to see open in an empty property in the town.

The vacant store, at 32 to 34 Gloucester Street, opposite Malmesbury Abbey, has been empty for nearly three years.

It has just been put on the market by joint agents Fielder and Jones, of Malmesbury, and Thompson's, of Swindon.

Before letting it out, they are keen to find out what shoppers would most like to see.

Nigel Hird, of Hird Property, which owns the premises, said it was an excellent opportunity for people to hopefully have a say in what appears there.

He added there was no certainty they would be able to attract the most popular choice of store, but they would make their best effort.

"People always have ideas about what they would like to see, but we have never really heard of anyone doing something on this front," he said.

"There is obviously no guarantees it would happen.

"But if there was a strong response for something in particular, say a mobile phone shop, for example, we could then go and approach a retailer in that area to see if they would be interested.

"A lot of people stop and ask what is happening with it, so we thought this would be a good idea."

The store used to be a ladies' clothing shop for about ten years, before it closed down.

Mr Hird said it is in a very prominent location, with space of over 750-square-feet and three large display windows.

He said anyone with a suggestion on its use should write to Fielder and Jones, 10 Oxford Street, Malmesbury, SN16 9AZ.