A £150,000 pledge from developers, who want to build on the old Lucent Technologies site, which could save Malmesbury town hall is being treated sceptically by some town councillors.

The cash offer is being made as part of a plan to build houses with an office and restaurant on the Lucent site at Swindon Road in Malmesbury.

Paul Fong, managing director of Hunter Page Planning, the agent acting on behalf of landowner the Minton Group, has said £50,000 would also be allocated to build a new youth centre and skate park in the town

A further £25,000 would be given by the developer to build a cycle route around Malmesbury.

But town councillors are refusing to be wooed by the cash pledge.

Coun Martin Snell said: "I would like to see this promise in writing. I am very sceptical. To me it is just another promise.'

Coun Charles Vernon said the money would not save the town hall because the district council would not see a connection between the new development and community facilities for the town.

Coun Vernon said: "I would welcome it if I thought the money would come to the town hall, but I don't think the district council will agree to it because they do not see a connection between the old Lucent site and providing facilities in the town hall."

Mr Fong said: "The £150,000 would be given directly to the town council and we would also offer our expertise for a sympathetic refurbishment of the building." He said there would not be problem getting a written committment from the developer.

Councillor Andrew Woodcock said: "I broadly welcome the proposal. It is good to see developers that are prepared to invest in the community."

District councillor John Thomson said; "If the money make a difference between losing the town hall and and saving it we should take it.