WROUGHTON could be in line for another community centre if villagers approve proposals.

As demand for booking slots at the Ellendune Community Centre, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in March, continues to soar, speculation is mounting that a second building will be needed to ease the pressure.

Sarah Bush, the chairwoman of Wroughton Parish Council, stressed that it's still early days, but hoped the consultation process could begin this autumn.

She said: "Wroughton is growing. Lots of young families are moving into the area and we want to be in a position to cater for them. My personal view is that a new centre is needed in the village.

"We are an active community and we have lots of groups. Unfortunately some are finding it hard to book the Ellendune Community Centre.

"The parish council will meet shortly and we will discuss the idea of sending letters to households asking for their views.

"Hopefully we will build up a picture of what the people want by October." Clive Hallett, the deputy warden of the community centre, said that it is used by about 40 groups.

"This hall is an essential part of the community and lots of people use it," he said.

"It's booked most days by a wide range of groups, including political organisations, Women's Institute groups and various sports clubs."

One of the largest is the Wroughton Gardeners' Society, which has more than 100 members.

The group, which was formed 50 years ago, meets monthly and holds two annual flower shows.

Spokeswoman Pat Lewis said she has no gripes with current facilities at the centre and expressed concerns over the location of any additional building.

She said: "Where are they going to put it?

"There is very little space in Wroughton.

"Every small space is being used to build new house.

"The area around Weir Field would be the most obvious but I would be against building it there.

"That would possibly leave Maunsell Way and I can't imagine people wanting to walk all the way down there for their meetings.

"The Ellendune is central to the village and is in an excellent position. People can get to it easily."

Kevin Shoesmith