THE battles lines are being drawn in Malmesbury Town Council's fight to extend the boundaries of the town into the neighbouring parish.

St Paul's Malmesbury Without Parish Council is petitioning voters to marshal support against proposals to expand the town to include Burton Hill, Swindon Road, Cowbridge, Foxley, Milbourne and Common Road.

The changes have been proposed by the town council to North Wiltshire District Council as part of a Boundary Commission of England review.

Parish council chairman Ian Henderson said: "Under no circumstances can we accept diminution of our parish boundaries.

"Apart from any other considerations, a reduction in our population base would seriously affect the viability of our council and reduce our effectiveness in providing services for our constituents."

But the town council said it would not withdraw its claim.

Malmesbury Mayor Charles Vernon said: "These areas are basically all urban areas of the town. We are not interested in the rural areas.

"In 1981 it was recommended Burton Hill should become part of the town but that recommendation was not implemented.

"In the last 20 years there has been considerably more development there and at Foxley and Common Roads and at Swindon Road to Cowbridge."

Coun Henderson said residents living in the earmarked areas could expect a rise in their tax bill if they become part of the town.

For the year 2003-04 the precept on a Band D house in the parish was £12.49 compared to the town figure of £64.23, he said.

He added borders between the parishes were either natural or man-made features and should not be breached unless in very special circumstances.

But the town council argues it is the natural provider of services to these neighbourhoods, some of which are close to leisure facilities such as St Aldhelms Mead.

The town council funds the council information and tourist information centres, but the areas the town wants to include did not contribute towards their cost, said Coun Vernon.

Coun Henderson is not convinced. "Those living in our parish are fully aware that they live near but not within the town of Malmesbury, and though not overtly obvious to outsiders, our residents clearly wish to maintain their status quo," he said.

Brokenborough has also objected to the town council's desire to expand into the parish's boundaries.

The district council will consider the applications from each parish before making a recommendation to the boundary commission. A public meeting to discuss the changes will to be held in May or June.