The suggestions were made to Kirklees Council officers at a presentation on Monday.

David Wyles, of the council's regeneration team, outlined what had been achieved to far.

Mr Wyles said £140,000 had been allocated as part of the council's small centres programme for further improvements to the town.

He told Heckmondwike's Chamber of Trade that the Bounce 'N' Bump festival on August 9 had been a great success.

He said: "The event was attended by 1,500 people who otherwise would not have come to the town.

"Perhaps the next time they need something they will come to Heckmondwike instead of going 10 miles up the road. It's all about letting people know we're here so they'll come back."

He also cited recent developments such as the improvements to Green Park and the demolition of the George pub, which has cleared space for a new library and information centre due to open in late 2010.

Discussions are taking place with Metro with a view to a new bus station being installed.

The West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive has a set aside £1m in its 2009/10 capital plan, but council officers told the traders they could not guarantee that it would be built at this stage.

Wider pavements and better pedestrian crossings have been introduced as part of the regeneration, which has been funded in part by the Local Public Service Agreement.

Future plans so far include an entrance feature at Green Park, and refurbishment of its railings and gateways.

Chamber members said there was a need for more seating in the town.

David Exley said: "It's especially important in Heckmondwike because the Spen Valley has more elderly people than any other part of Kirklees."

Mr Wyles said the location of any benches would have to be chosen with care.

He said: "The key thing is to put them in a position where they attract the public but don't get in the way."

Bicycle racks were also proposed as a way of cutting the number of cars passing through the town.

Consultation will take place with local people including school children about what services they would like to see provided at the new library and information centre.