More than 250 people have put forward ideas as part of a project to secure up to £25 million of government funding to transform Loughborough.

The Loughborough Town Deal Board appealed for ideas as it works to secure the funding under the Government's Town Deal initiative.

Dr Nik Kotecha OBE, co-chair of the board and chief executive of Morningside Pharmaceuticals, said: "The people and businesses of Loughborough will play a key role in the Town Deal and I am pleased to see so many responses as part of this initial consultation.

"We will be carrying out more in-depth consultation in the coming months and on behalf of the board I would encourage people to get involved and help us take advantage of this enormous opportunity for the town."

Cllr Jonathan Morgan, co-chair of the board and leader of Charnwood Borough Council, said: "I would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to submit ideas and give their views on what makes Loughborough great and what we can do to make it better.

"There were lots of interesting suggestions and they will be considered as we put together a town investment plan in the coming months so we can bid for the funding available. We need to make a solid case for the funding and the government have made it clear the community need to be closely involved."

Town Deals can be used to redevelop vacant buildings and land, drive private sector investment by supporting small businesses and ensure young people have the skills they need to get good jobs. Communities will also be able to consider how they can boost their transport links and increase access to high-speed broadband.

The Town Investment Plan will provide a vision for building on the town's unique strengths to transform its economic growth prospects.

The Loughborough Town Deal Board involves representatives from Charnwood Borough Council, Loughborough University, Loughborough College, Love Loughborough, Leicestershire County Council, the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership, Charnwood Together Economy and Skills Group, local businesses and Loughborough MP Jane Hunt.