FOOTBALL fans in Chippenham are celebrating after the club was awarded £6,327 for the installation of new safety barriers at Hardenhuish Park.

North Wiltshire District Councillors voted against their officers' recommendation to give the club just half the amount they applied for on Monday evening.

But kind-hearted councillors felt the club deserved a bit more and granted the full amount.

Club secretary Chris Blake was overwhelmed with the council's decision and did not believe the club was going to be awarded the full amount they requested.

He said: "The council have helped us significantly and construction on the new barriers will start next week.

"This has done us a power of good but we are not out of trouble yet."

The club had some sample barriers installed and tested last week and owe £1,600.

"Thanks to the council we are left with an achievable sum to collect."

In September Chippenham were left with £9,000 to raise out of the £22,000 the barriers will cost. A total of £13,000 was donated from the Football Stadia Improvement Fund.

To find the other £9,000 Chippenham asked the fans to sponsor the barriers at £10 a metre. They received a great response and were left with just £6,327, which the council has helped with.

Mr Blake said: "The appeal was pretty successful and we are grateful to the fans for dipping into their pockets."

Supporters donning the club's blue and white scarves turned up at the council meeting in their droves to protest against the proposed drop in money.

Wil Hulbert, chairman of Chippenham Town Football Club, spoke on behalf of the fans, saying the club was a victim of its own success.

He said with crowd numbers other teams would be envious of, crash barriers on the open terraces were essential for the safety of the supporters.

Councillor Dianne Moore said it was vital that the barriers were put into place as soon as possible.

"Health and safety of the fans is very important," she said.

Councillor Jane Scott, who chaired the Chippenham Area Committee, said: "The club is an important part of Chippenham and gives us pride in our town.

"I think as the district council we should be supporting things like this when we can."