A GREEN space next to a historic church in Cricklade could be the site for sheltered accommodation after Wiltshire County Council decided to sell the land.

The area in Bath Road, which has a children's play park, is opposite St Sampson's Junior School, and campaigners have been fighting to stop it being sold for housing.

But cabinet councillors opted to sell nearly three-quarters of the 0.37-acre site to Westlea Housing Association, which plans to build accommodation for the elderly.

The flats would be next to existing sheltered flats in Heberden House, for which there is a waiting list.

The county council plans to lease the remainder of the site to Cricklade Town Council for a play area.

The proposals have yet to be given planning permission by North Wilts District Council.

Those supporting Westlea's plans say there is a shortage of sheltered housing for the elderly in the town and the site provides easy access to the town centre for those with mobility problems.

But objectors say any development would destroy a community meeting place, deny children a space for play and increase congestion.

Jo Scampton, 32, of Deansfield, has been involved in the campaign to save the green space. She said: "We were expecting that decision to go that way so we just have to wait for when it comes up for planning permission. There is still hope.

"The area they have left is not sufficient for play equipment. There is not even room for a swing."

Adam Butcher, spokesman for Wiltshire County Council, said: "The proposal will be subject to the normal planning procedures so people who are not happy with the decision can make their view heard."

The council had to make a decision about the land after the Cricklade library was moved from the site to the Ockwells Building in the High Street.

The old library premises have been leased to Cricklade Pre-school playgroup for five years.