A TRAINING centre for food producers could be the final piece in the jigsaw of the regeneration of Sturminster Newton.

That’s the hope of a community group which wants to build on the town’s historic past as the centre of Dorset’s dairy industry. Jackie Upton-King from community partnership SturQuest said the idea had the backing of local businesses with national reputations.

“We have quite a lot of food and drink businesses in the area. Access to training is really quite difficult here in the north.

“We know that Olives et Al and Hall and Woodhouse are interested in training opportunities.

“The hope is it would become a training centre for businesses producing food and drink; not retailing but producing.

“That’s what we’re trying to achieve. It’s the last strand in the regeneration.

“The market site, and the creamery site – this is the last piece of the jigsaw,” she said.

Mrs Upton-King said that while a designated building may be a step too far for the project, the group hoped to launch a pilot project, perhaps using the kitchen and training rooms at the Exchange.

Project leaders hope the training centre will form part of Dorset County Council’s application to develop a business park in the Rolls Mill area of the town.

An open forum in which residents can put questions to experts involved in the project will be held in the Stour Hall from 7.30pm.

Residents will also be updated on the battle to save the town’s library from a County Hall closure plan.

They will be urged to take part in DCC’s consultation on ways to save cash while retaining as many libraries as possible.

The feasibility study and plans for the business park will be on display in the lower atrium of the Exchange Arts Centre from 10am to 6pm on Thursday June 9.