THE opening of a £200,000 sports pavilion in Lydiard Millicent has been postponed.

The sport and recreational complex, known as the Jubilee Clubhouse, will be open on November 16, five years after the original was burnt down.

Parish councillors had originally hoped to see the project in action last month but contractual delays have pushed it back.

The parish council bought a temporary unit following the arson attack in October 1997 and has worked since then to secure money for the new development.

Chairman Tom Pepperall said: "When the little pavilion was burnt down it gave us impetus to build a proper replacement. We have followed guidelines from the Football Association so local teams can use the grounds as well as other community groups."

The project will primarily benefit Shaw Football Club who use the grounds in Chestnut Springs for their league matches. But the aim is to provide a facility that will serve the community.

The development will consist of four changing rooms, a meeting room, shower facilities and a kitchen.

A grant of £86,735 came from Biffaward, an environment fund which uses landfill tax to benefit communities. The parish council stumped up £12,000, while £75,000 came from the Football Foundation and £8,000 from North Wilts District Council.