GAZETTE & HERALD: A row has broken out over the redevelopment of Castlefields river park in Calne, which some residents believe should be left alone.

Volunteer charity Castlefields Canal and River Park (CARP) has started a large-scale project to improve the area and open it up to the public.

But despite consultation, residents now say they want the area left alone.

Sonia Smith, of Kingsbury Street, said despite being told the work would be carried out sensitively, the diggers were brought in during the nesting season.

"I am a regular wildlife watcher at this place, so I walk it most days, and speaking to others who enjoy this place too they seem to have no wish for the changes that are planned for it," she said.

"We all seem to agree that the changes planned will interfere with the natural ecological balance of things in Castlefields. This is very worrying because we have water voles, which are now endangered, not to mention lots of other wildlife there which need the solitude of the place to thrive."

Mrs Smith said displays explaining the project were placed in Calne's branch of Sainsbury's last year, which appeared to be planning to treat the area sensitively.

"The way it has been handled is the complete opposite," she said.

"They seem to have run roughshod over everything. To say they are sensitive to nature is a joke."

Mrs Smith fears the project will harm the environment and scare wildlife away.

"They are cutting down trees so people have a view of the town. It is a ridiculous attitude," she added.

"It is one of the most beautiful places in Calne and there are some very special things down there. To lose it would be terrible."

Mrs Smith fears that opening the park up and encouraging more people to use it will disturb the wildlife.

District and town councillor Simon Coy, who walks his dog in the park everyday, agrees.

He said: "I like the area as it is, it is very natural. CARP are looking to theme it a bit and I don't want to see it turn into a mini-Disneyland.

"I wouldn't like to see it change dramatically, it just needs general maintenance.

"I have my reservations. It looks like there is going to be a lot of activity down there and I am yet to be convinced that it is going to improve the natural environment."

Over the next few years, depending on funding, CARP plans to overhaul Castlefields Park, the wildflower meadow, the lock and river.

The work includes the reinstatement of the flood plain and the selective removal of trees and shrubs to improve views across Castlefields Park from the castle mound.

The group also wants to improve footpaths and cycle routes and create a visitor centre and parking facilities.

The charity's aim is to preserve, protect, develop and improve the environment of the River Marden Valley and surrounding area and to provide amenities and facilities for recreation and leisure.

Denis Robertson, chairman of CARP said the work was being done to improve the environment for the wildlife.

"All environmental aspects are thought about and considered. We have not done any work there since March. There would not be any work going on there that would disturb the birds."

He said the project would open the area up to the public but not to the detriment of nature.

"The trees that will be taken down will be dead or diseased. Mature trees are not going to be taken down."

He said each part of the project had to go through North Wiltshire District Council which owns the land and grants planning consent.

"We want to make it easier for residents to move around the area and we have improved the hay meadow to attract insects, which will attract mammals and birds," he said.