A SKATEpark in Corsham is unlikely to open before next year because of a delay in gaining planning permission.

The original planning application has been withdrawn because of fears that it would be rejected due to missing technical details.

The application was scrutinised by North Wiltshire District Council officers who made eight recommendations for areas that needed more detail, including fencing and supervision.

Julia Stacey, who has recently taken over from Rod Evans the former community initiative officer, said: "There were queries regarding the noise report and we were going to run out of time before we could answer them fully.

"We have withdrawn it for the time being so we can sort it out."

Mrs Stacey said there were no major problems with the application but she wanted to make sure it was not refused and this would take more time.

"It is still very much in the pipeline and it had not been refused," she said.

Mrs Stacey insisted that the community should be positive about the progress being made and she wanted to keep the momentum going.

But town clerk David Martin said the facility would probably not be ready for use this year.

"Realistically the skate facility is unlikely to be completed during the current year," he said.

Mr Martin added that it is difficult to find a site for a skate facility now because of the problems at Chippenham and Devizes, where councils were forced to shut skateparks following noise complaints from residents.

However the £10,000 BMX facility is making good progress.

Mr Martin said: "The BMX facility is more promising now that we don't need planning permission.

"However, there is still some way to go on funding."

Both facilities will be located on playing fields behind the Springfield leisure centre, near Valley Road.