Newent is set to enter the Best Kept Village Competition next year after key changes have been made to the town.

The town council was invited to enter this year's event but has decided to delay for 12 months.

Mayor Fred Passant, is concerned major housing developments, such as on the Bennions site in Broad Street, could cause too much disruption for an effective challenge to be launched.

He added: "The town centre could be quite a mess and we are also trying to improve the town's floral displays.

"We are also looking at various schemes, such as a new bus stop outside the new Co-op, and we are also in talks with the county council about the Market Square."

The idea is to get a number of broken flagstones replaced and the council has written to County Highways.

It says the Market Square is the focal point of the town for tourists, Some of the damage is believed to have been caused by heavy vehicles driving onto the square.

The county has acknowledged the problem and suggested bollards be installed in places.

At the town council meeting on Monday, several councillors said Newent should not be in the competition at all, because it was a town, "with a mayor to prove it".

Coun Passant said under the competition rules, Newent was eligible to enter the large village category.

He added: "Judges are looking for evidence of local pride and environmental initiatives. If we enter something like this, there has to be a firm commitment from a bunch of individuals, and I don't think we ought to jump in unless we have a clear idea of what's involved."

Councillors agreed to review the situation later for an entry in 2005 instead.

Coun Len Lawton said: "If you enter something like this, you have to be prepared to be a winner; otherwise, don't bother."