SECRET negotiations are going on behind closed doors to buy a 50-acre site to offset Chippenham's serious shortage of playing fields.

The announcement that lawyers are discussing buying the site at an unnamed location, came at a meeting called by the town council for stakeholders on Tuesday.

Representatives from many of the town's sports clubs, who are all potential users, were delighted with the news.

They took the opportunity to tell Mayor Sandie Webb, who is chairman of the playing fields working group, what they would like to see on the site.

Coun Webb said funding had been set aside by both North Wiltshire District Council and the town council.

She said she was confident there was now a light at the end of the tunnel after years of campaigning for more space.

"Throughout we have found it very difficult to find land, and in some ways we are still subject to restraints due to the immense popularity of our area to developers," she said.

"The position now, however, has never been so good, with funds available from both the district and town councils and new money in the form of match funding making the chance of us achieving our aims very real."

Town clerk Laurie Brown said: "At the moment we are trying to clear up some legal disputes, but if the purchase of this site is successful it could become a site of excellence not only for Chippenham but the whole of the West Country."

Coun Webb said: "We were very lucky to get a tip off and find this area which is perfect as far as we can see.

"It will be within walking or cycling distance for children and adults. It's not right for people to have to drive out to the villages to use their pitches."

A public meeting to discuss the town's lack of playing fields was first called in May 1997, where it was decided action should be taken.

The pressure group Give Over Land For Leisure (GOAL) was formed and its members held regular meetings with the town and district council and interested groups in February 1998.

Last week, members of district council's area committee agreed to consider the needs of Chippenham's urban area separately after councillors and members of GOAL said the strategy was unrealistic and full of errors.

Now the town has a document which more accurately reflects its needs and the purchase of a suitable site is looking like a strong possibility.

Coun Webb, who has been at the forefront of the three-year campaign, said she is looking towards a positive future.

"In 15 to 20 years' time I doubt if any of us will be sitting here in our present positions and the chances are today's generation of children may be parents themselves by then," she said.

"We do not want them to have to fight for open spaces for their children to enjoy as we have done."

If all goes to plan the site, which will incorporate changing facilities and possibly a clubhouse in the future, could be ready for use by the beginning of 2002.