Two large allotments are to be created at Beversbrook to alleviate the shortage of gardening space in Calne.

The plots will be made from two unused composting areas, following a suggestion by Calne Allotment Society.

The society approached Calne Town Council to ask if the two composting areas could be converted.

At present there are three composting areas at Beversbrook allotments.

One composting area at the top of the site is used, but two others have fallen into disuse.

The council amenities committee agreed at a meeting last week to re-allocate the two unused compost areas as large allotment plots.

Town clerk Ann Kingdon told members there would be costs, as yet unknown, to convert the land.

Top soil would have to be imported to bring the soil up to the same standard as the rest of the site.

In addition, several large railway sleepers forming the sides of the compost areas would have to be removed.

Mrs Kingdon told members: "It is possible that the sleepers could be used to form some more raised beds for use by elderly and disabled allotment tenants."

Coun Cathy Bowyer said she hoped the areas would be re-allocated soon although she could not give a firm date.

Calne has been suffering from a shortage of allotment space after more than 100 plots were lost from the Newcroft Road site when it was sold for housing development by the previous town council.