GROUPS in Melksham are calling for more money to be spent on boosting the town's sports facilities.

Concerns are growing over the low number of playing fields, poor quality of training facilities and the lack of choice for residents in the area.

Michael Bailey, secretary of the Parson's Nose Football Club, said the lack of investment was hindering budding sportsmen and women.

"We wanted to start up a youth side but didn't have the space for them because another club also plays on our pitch in Awdry Avenue.

"We may have been able to do it if other pitches were available."

Last season club officials received a letter telling them they could be forced out of the Chippenham and District Sunday League unless they provided changing facilities.

Trowbridge-based Mowlem Southern Civil Engineering stepped in and offered to put up a cabin besides the pitch.

If it gets planning permission in the next couple of weeks, Mr Bailey hopes it will be ready for the start of their new campaign.

"This helps highlight how some facilities in Melksham are suffering," he said.

David Phillips, secretary of Melksham Town Football Club, said a cash injection would help more people enjoy a range of different sports.

"It doesn't really affect us because we have our own pitch and somewhere to train," he said. "But there is a problem in terms of grounds which have been lost to development."

Chairman of Melksham First Adrienne Westbrook said it was looking at ways to improve facilities.

"We need more football and rugby pitches and decent changing facilities so people can play at a competitive level," she said.

Agricultural land, such as fields near the Avon Rubber factory in Murrey Walk, could be an ideal site for sports.

Town councillor Sheila Wilkinson wants thousands of pounds spent on purchasing land for development.

She said: "Sports facilities in the town need to be improved. There are no hockey pitches, so people have to go out of town to play.

"There are not enough energetic things for youngsters to do in Melksham and there are less playing areas than the national average. We will not get the best athletes unless money is spent."