Proposals to build houses over Newnton Playground site have met with angry reaction from Malmesbury residents this week.

More than 300 people had previously signed a petition to keep the children's playground.

They were not happy this week to learn that plans to reduce the playground size had been approved by North Wiltshire District Council and Westlea Housing Association.

Councillor John Thompson said: "I am very disappointed that this has happened after the people of Malmesbury made their feelings perfectly clear when they signed that petition."

The proposals would cut the playground from 960sq ft to 905sq ft, with a sweetener of £60,000 worth of new equipment for the playground.

A district council survey revealed Newnton Playground was seen as the most important playground in the town by young families.

Coun Thompson said: "There were several councillors who did not

attend the meeting, in spite of knowing that the issue would come up and their votes could cost us the playground."

The playground is part of a larger development to provide affordable homes in Malmesbury. The plans will go to the development control committee, who will have the final say.