A community-minded group in Coalville have been asking local residents for their views on the town - how it can be improved for the people who live there, and how they can take the lead in making it happen.

They have set up Coalville C.A.N. (Community and Neighbourhood) CBS (Community Benefit Society).

And the group have also created a short survey and an impressive new video (see above to view) that may give a different perspective on some key Coalville gems - the Market, the Co-op in Bridge Road, the old Co-op in the town and the former Rex Cinema foyer.

All are currently closed, or about to be closed and, the group says that if nothing is done, they will likely be sold to a private developer for houses or continue to be empty.

The group explained they have two main passions: Helping people set up and run their own community projects; and community-run buildings and enterprises.

The aim is to build on the strength of community in Coalville and to have buildings owned by the community and redeveloped on a sustainable enterprise model.

All of the profits made will be reinvested back into the buildings and local community projects.

A C.A.N. spokesperson said: "We plan to do this through a CBS - a Community Benefit Society - ever heard of one?

"Most people haven't even though they are the most democratic of all legal structures.  Is it ambitious? - yes!

"Are there examples of this being done elsewhere? Yes!

"Is there funding out there to help make this happen? Yes - lots of it! Interested?

"The group's not naive - they know the amount of effort, support and skill that will be needed to divert the current path for these buildings into a path with much better results for the community - they also know that many of these skills already lie within the people of Coalville."

The message that accompanies the Group's You Tube video says: "Can the Community take over these spaces and places?

"Led by a Steering Crew, a business case, funding matrix and sustainability plan are being put together.

"Here's a quick look at four currently empty buildings - alone, or together they could enable community regeneration and create something special in Coalville!"

If you are interested, and want to get involved here is the link to the survey, you are invited to complete it and share with others:  Coalville CAN Survey

You can join growing group of over 200 people in Coalville CAN CBS on Facebook (all the latest reports and information are there) Coalville C.A.N. CBS Facebook page

The C.A.N. spokesperson added: "Everyone's contribution counts."