CHIPPENHAM Town Council has refused to take on a children's play area in Audley Road because of safety fears over an electricity sub station in the corner.

Members also heard the play space, part of a new housing development by Alfred McAlpine, at Kingham Close, suffered from litter and noise.

McAlpine wants to hand over responsibility for the play area to North Wiltshire District Council, which in turn has approached the town council suggesting a transfer.

But members of the amenities committee decided not to take on the play area until the safety issue was resolved.

They also wanted funds to help take care of the site.

Coun Ian Bridges said: "We should support play areas for youngsters but the sub station should be totally caged, because balls could be kicked inside and kids will climb in.

"It was foolish to site the play area there in the first place."

The town council has taken over a similarplay area in Charter Road and members said they were keen to help provide safe play space for young children.

But Coun Maureen Lloyd suggested people living in the area should be consulted about its future.

She said after the meeting: "It's in an unfortunate position, near to a pub and a fish and chip shop, and it's a place where the youth congregate and you get lots of litter."

She said people had complained about the mess and misuse of the play area, and expressed concern about the possible danger posed by the sub station.

"It's right next to the road, near a junction. It's too noisy and active," she said. "It's a little ones play area but it's not very suitable for little ones.

The district council should have pushed the developers for a better site."