CRICKLADE mums are fighting to save a green space near St Sampson's Church from being turned into a housing development.

They fear the play area has been earmarked for building after discovering that an offer to Cricklade Pre-school playgroup to lease the nearby old library site was withdrawn.

North Wiltshire District Council, which owns the former library site, confirmed in writing the agreement of a five-year lease by the playgroup earlier this year.

But now the district council is unwilling to commit to leasing the site because of a possibility of Westlea Housing Association developing it for affordable housing.

Land next to the old library site is owned by Wiltshire County Council, which has yet to make a decision about selling it. Residents are concerned there will be fewer facilities for children if it is sold and developed.

Jo Scampton, 32, of Deansfield, has been spearheading a campaign to save the land even before any formal plans have been lodged.

She said: "It would be a big loss if we didn't have this green space.

"It is a vital area, near the school and near the high street. The only other area for children is by the leisure centre, but it often has broken glass and is not suitable for toddlers."

Playgroup supervisor Ruth Guy said the group had outgrown its current premises in an annex next to the town hall.

She added: "We are very disappointed and feel let down. The playgroup has been at the heart of the community for more than 40 years and we want to plan for the future.

"We asked the district council why they were not able to lease us the land and they said it would compromise their position in relation to adjoining land, which is currently owned by Wiltshire County Council and may be developed for housing."

Westlea Housing Association spokesman Nick Taylor said: "Knowing that WCC wants to sell this land, we have stated our interest in providing affordable housing on the site. One of the options we have considered is to provide accommodation complimentary to the existing sheltered housing at Heberden House."

County council spokesman Tim Champion said: "No decision has been made yet. Our corporate estates manager, is going to be making a report to appear at committee next month.

"Anyone with strong views about this could contact us."

Carole Northam, spokeswoman for North Wilts District Council, said: "A five year lease, subject to contract, was offered to the playgroup in March 2002, pending the outcome of the proposal for a social housing scheme.

"This offer was withdrawn in June so as not to jeopardise the redevelopment proposals to provide much needed Social Housing in Cricklade.

"The matter will be going back to the Executive in September.

"There are no current planning applications on the site."