14602/1CAMPAIGNERS behind a £200,000 nature centre in Trowbridge fear the worst after a potential hammerblow was delivered by district councillors this week.

The Hope Nature Centre, planned for Southwick Country Park, hit its latest setback at a West Wiltshire District Council cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

The council deferred a decision on whether to lease a 12-acre plot of land to campaigners to build the centre, which would create 40 new jobs for young people with learning difficulties.

They voted to wait for the results of a Leisure and Recreational Needs Assessment, which considers all other users of the park.

Supporters of the project were left fuming as they say delays could cost them the sponsors they have worked so hard to get.

Speaking at the meeting, chairman of the Hope Nature Centre committee June Fleming said: "Since we were here last year we have done everything the council asked us to.

"We have raised more than £250,000 and spent a lot of money in employing chartered surveyors to do a really professional job.

"Any delay will cost us a great deal of money and the sponsors of the centre could well pull out."

Mrs Fleming pleaded with councillors to consider the young people who would benefit from the centre.

She said: "I am just furious they could let this happen. If they saw the people who would benefit I'm sure they would change their minds.

"The fight is not over and if I have to take this all the way to Downing Street I will.

"This is a council that doesn't care about the less needy because they are all alright themselves."

The centre was granted planning permission in 2002 but the council still owns the land.

It was agreed the council would lease the site for a nominal sum, but it pulled out at the last minute in September.

This week councillors voiced support for the project but said further consultation was needed.

Cllr Richard Wiltshire said: "The problem for the Hope Nature Centre is getting a footprint on that site.

"There are other users to consider. The recreational report will make sure the site is in the ideal place, and it is necessary to wait for those findings.

"Although we support the plans, we need to get the overall view before we can go ahead."

The centre includes plans for a tearoom, shop, nature trail and nursery.

Trowbridge mayor Grace Hill chose the centre as one of her two charities to support and said she was devastated the council had held back on making a firm decision.

She said: "Not once has the Hope Nature Centre asked the council for one red cent.

"They have raised all the money themselves and have just had it thrown back at them.

"They are actually providing a service which should help out the district council but still they have got nowhere."