A BIN has been placed in Richmond Town Hall to collect donations for community projects.

The Coins for the Community scheme could help provide facilities featuring high on a residents' wish list.

A cinema, workshops, performance and music venues, and a creche were highlighted by people who responded to a community questionnaire more than a year ago.

More than 99 per cent of the households that replied said there were insufficient community facilities in the town.

The Mayor, Councillor Stuart Parsons, who launched the loose change collection scheme, said proceeds would go towards a variety of projects across the town.

Possible development of the old church in Dundas Street and future use of the old station building were among likely candidates for funding.

A community facilities feasibility study is under way. Funded by the town centre forum, town council, guild of mercers, grocers and haberdashers and a donation from the mayor's charity fund, it aims to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the present facilities, as well as their potential future needs.

Coun Parsons said the community questionnaire was answered by 35 per cent of the 3,400 households that received a copy.