PLANS for a climbing wall and massive television screen in Swindon town centre have hit the right note with shoppers.

The New Swindon Company and the council have put on an exhibition of the plans for the development of Wharf Green to allow residents to comment on them.

And they are going down a treat.

The proposals would see the area change beyond recognition.

Plans include a climbing wall that will stretch the length of the Brunel West car park, a giant TV screen, brand new paving and new landscaping.

There was also a chance for people to try their hand - and feet - at a temporary climbing wall put up for the exhibition.

Sarah Rodham-Heaps, of Old Town, said she was impressed with the plans. "They look really interesting," said the 38-year-old.

"It has been coming for a long time. It needed doing and is long overdue.

"It will be nice to give the teenagers something to do."

Rachel White, 19, of Ferndale, said that she was looking forward to seeing the big screen in action.

"If we had a huge television screen in the centre of town it would be fab," she said.

"It could show all sorts - sports, news, maybe even movies. I think it could help to bring the people of Swindon together."

But Rob Brown, an engineer of South Marston, wasn't so sure about the climbing wall.

"I'm a bit worried about the wall and late-night drunks," said the 43-year-old.

"But I've been told it will all be secured so I guess we'll have to wait and see."

Swindon Council has been given £2.6m of Government money to improve public spaces in the town and Wharf Green is the first of seven areas to benefit.

Work is expected to begin over the summer and should be completed within the next 12 months.

Carol Heneghan, marketing manager for the New Swindon Company, said the changes would bring in people from across the country.

"The wall is expected to be competition standard so people will come from all over to use it," she said.

"And they will not just come for the day, but the whole weekend.

"The television screen will also be the first in the south so will be a huge accolade for Swindon.

"We're been really pleased with the response we've had and people seem very positive about the plans."

The exhibition is also on display today on the second floor of the Brunel Centre, from 10am until 4.30pm. For more information, or to leave comments about the plans, log on to www.newswindon.co.uk.