The Bumps and Babes group, at Gardners Lane Children's Centre, St Paul's, gives toddlers the chance to play and parents the chance to meet other families.

The group's members, who live across the town, say they are happy with Cheltenham as a place to bring up their kids.

They believe it offers a good mix of schools, open spaces for leisure and a safe environment for their children.

Their main concerns are the protection of Cheltenham's parks and gardens, maintaining maternity services in the town and preserving its unique community atmosphere.

Kerry Richardson, 36, mum of two-year-old Brooke, said: "The best things are the parks. Montpellier Park is a lifesaver, because I can get to the shops in the town centre by promising a trip to the park on the way back.

"It's a good-sized town, with plenty going on in the way of daytime activities and things for youngsters to do.

"We could do with some more cafes with pushchair access, but I really think Cheltenham is a good place for young parents and their children.

"In terms of development, the main thing is that I don't want anything very much to change."

Kerry, of Hatherley, added: "I would stress that Cheltenham General Hospital's maternity ward should be saved, because it's a big enough town to have its own facilities."

Louise Roper, 36, of Pittville, was at the group with 21-month-old Samuel.

She said: "My husband and I lived in London for a while. We've been here three years now and we're really happy.

"There are so many good things for young people and also for parents. This group, for example, is excellent, because it means you can meet other parents at the same stage of bringing up youngsters.

"I think the town's size is important. It's a place that's big enough to have things going on, but small enough to bump into people you know.

"For the future, I think it's more a matter of protecting what is here, rather than changing things.

"I think there should be more youth clubs and maybe that's something we as parents can do. But Cheltenham is an excellent town."

Stacey Rees, 33, of Benhall, attends with daughter Lily, two.

She said: "I went to school here then I moved away for 10 years to live in Australia. I came back because I enjoyed growing up here.

"There are bigger places, but Cheltenham has a lot for people to do, like festivals and other events, and it's the right size to have a lovely community feel.

"When you have children your focus does change and the schools here are excellent and there are lots of things to do.

"I think it's a good place for employment, so if Lily stays here, I think she should be able to do well as an adult too."

Steve Knibbs, 37, of Pittville, takes his two-year-old daughter Betsy to the group. He said: "The open spaces are fantastic and we are very lucky to have them. However, as Cheltenham develops, they should be protected.

"I live near Pittville Park and the plans for improving that are a great idea. It's big and a beautiful place, so with improvements like extra play equipment it will be even better.

"I do sometimes think that Cheltenham isn't very forward looking. The Regency buildings are beautiful, but they were new in their day and I think it's important to remember there is good new architecture too.

"I think the important things for me as a father are that Betsy can grow up and behave as she would like to in a safe and secure environment.

"We need to be open to change and improvements, but I think the town is a great place to be and it has a very definite identity."

Emma Parker, 34, lives in Marsh Lane. She was at the group with son Arlo, one.

She said: "I'm from Leeds and Cheltenham is a really good place to bring up a child. There's lots of outdoor space and that's really important, the schools look good and it's a lovely town.

"I think those things should be looked at if there are plans to develop."