COMMUNITIES around Swindon have drawn up a plan to challenge the encroachment of the town.

Residents of Wootton Bassett, Cricklade and the surrounding villages have been giving their views to the Northern Community Area Partnership on their concerns and aspirations for the area and the public services provided for them.

The findings have been published in a community plan, which will be launched at RAF Lyneham on Wednesday.

Issues covered include the protection of the rural buffer between Swindon and nearby towns and villages, the expected closure of RAF Lyneham, the future use of the St Ivel site in Wootton Bassett, traffic in Cricklade and the number of buses passing through Lydiard Millicent.

Mollie Groom, chairman of NCAP, said: "We need to continue to work together to seek solutions and bring about positive change.

"We hope our plan will lead to a real improvement in our quality of life and environment in this very special part of North Wiltshire."

Chris Wannell, installed last week as mayor of Wootton Bassett, said: "This plan was something that was required under government legislation.

"The last time this was done was a complete farce because it was basically a table-top exercise.

"Town councillor John Allen has been the main driving force behind it this time, and fair play to him.

"A lot of research was needed and that's what he's done.

"This time it is community-led rather than officer led."

Margaret Griffiths, Cricklade town clerk, said: "The towns and villages have all contributed so it should be more focused on the needs of those communities."

David Tetlow, town councillor in Cricklade, has been involved in the plan.

He said: "I hope that what is in the plan will be driven forward by all parties concerned.

"It's for the communities to work together with both the district council and county council to help deliver what's in the plan.

"For Cricklade the most important thing is a southern relief road.

"There is some light at the end of the tunnel, but it's a very long tunnel.

"Traffic and parking are both issues that have come out in the consultation process with the residents."

Following next week's launch, copies of the plan will be distributed to every household in the area, inviting further comments and feedback.

The partnership intends to establish specific focus groups setting out actions and identifying projects to address.

David Andrew