A MULTI-SPORTS complex with pitches, changing rooms and a clubhouse is one of the proposals to be discussed at a meeting on sports provision in Malmesbury on Thursday, March 27.

The meeting has been called by Mayor John Bowen, who said it had been brought to his attention that some clubs were having problems, particularly with funding.

He said he wanted the meeting to try and look at ways of consolidating the field sports provision in Malmesbury and secure the town's long-term future in sport.

"We would like to have a wish list to look at the state of sports in Malmesbury and how they need to be developed," he said.

Coun Bowen has suggested a shared clubhouse could be built to include showers and changing rooms and associated playing fields.

Malmesbury Rugby Club is currently trying to raise £35,000 to flatten and resurface its pitch, which it uses with the permission of the cricket club, for youth rugby.

Club secretary Piers Lavan said he thought it was a great idea.

"It's a fantastic idea if the mayor can pull it off. It makes so much sense to pool resources," he said.

Malmesbury Youth Football Club constructed seven pitches designed for players between seven and 18 on land at the Red Bull on Bristol Road three years ago and is applying for money from the Football Foundation to add changing rooms .

Chairman James Lester said he thought it was a good idea but questioned where the land could be found to build the complex.

He said: "It is an ideal situation and a great idea. The problem is, it has been explored before and the land has to be available for it to happen."

No ground has been secured for the venture but Coun Bowen said inroads had been made, with land at Wychurch Farm a possibility.

"We need to check the viability of it but it would mean we would have a wonderful big playing area in the centre of town," he said.

Malmesbury Vics Football Club, which plays at the Flying Monk playing fields, is currently trying to raise £10,000 towards floodlighting.

The club too thought it was a good idea but wondered where the financing for the scheme would come from.

Club chairman Paul Neale said: "Anything that happens is going to have to be affordable."