CALNE Town Council says every effort is being made to get four proposed new allotment sites up and running as soon as possible.

It decided last month to sell off the Newcroft allotment site to raise funds to buy 30 acres of playing field space, despite fierce opposition from allotment holders. In place of the Newcroft allotments, the council is buying four new sites which, it says, will be within easy access of the town.

Town clerk Ann Kingdon said: "The town council has long been seeking new sites for outdoor recreation and the opportunity has now become available to purchase 30 acres of land large enough to provide a mix of sports facilities.

"In addition there will be another eight acres for allotment sites, spread across the town."

She said as other sites became available they too would be considered in order to meet the needs in other areas of the town.

Planning permission for the Balancing Pond site off Beaversbrook Road has been granted by North Wiltshire District Council and permission for the three other sites at Fisherbrook Lane, Wenhill and Abberd Lane, has been delegated to a planning officer.

Mrs Kingdon said planning certificates should be granted as soon as a few technical problems such as access have been agreed and can see no reason why permission won't be granted.

She wants to put an end to rumours in the town that the town council had not secured planning permission.

She added: "By re-investing the receipts of the sale of assets to meet a variety of needs in the town, and by furthering partnership with North Wiltshire District Council and community groups, the town council will be helping to provide a wide range of facilities for all age groups in a fast-growing town.

"However the chances of the district council providing these facilities in the forseeable future are remote. The town council has legal powers to assist in the provision of leisure facilities for the community."