MP James Gray has warned he will not support future developments outside Chippenham's current limits.

At a speech to mark the opening of the £10 million Methuen South business Park, the MP praised the new office buildings.

But he told the gathering of businessmen and representatives from the town and district councils that it was important Chippenham keeps its rural character.

Mr Gray claimed there is almost no unemployment in the town because it has achieved the right balance between housing and industry.

He said planning bodies like North Wiltshire District Council should instead concentrate on developing land inside the town's boundaries, such as the Flowers Site and the cattle market.

"It seems to me that Chippenham has reached its logical boundary, therefore I would oppose plans extending the park any further south," he said.

"There have been talks about building another business park half-a-mile out, but I am totally opposed to building that would allow Chippenham to sprawl out forever."