THE chairman of Bradford on Avon Preservation Trust is backing a local campaign to re-open the St Aldhelm play area.

John Potter, who was also a former town councillor, has volunteered to launch a petition to Wiltshire Council protesting about the closure.

Mr Potter, who lives in Avonfield Avenue, close to the play area, said: “It’s outrageous that they’ve closed this play area just before the summer holiday.

“All the local children use it and they’ve nowhere else to go except Poulton Fields, which means crossing a busy main road.

“Wiltshire Council still own the play area and we want them to accept responsibility for its maintenance and repairs. They have a duty to inspect it and make it good again.

“If they are not willing to do that, then they should transfer the asset to Bradford on Avon Town Council for nothing and let them do it.”

Angry parents and children protested about the closure before the town council’s recent community and recreation meeting. It is estimated it will cost £2,016 to repair and re-open the play area.

Paul McCumiskey, of Southville Road, said: “Wiltshire Council should find the funds and sort it out so that it can open again as soon as possible.

“My boy is now seven and wants to start having a little bit more freedom.This play area is the only safe place where local children can play.”

Cllr Dominic Newton said the town council was being held to ransom by Wiltshire Council as talks continue about transferring assets such as local play areas to the town.

“They have closed it because they say it is a safety issue. The surface near the slide needs to be replaced.

“Wiltshire Council has issued us with a ransom note and have said they unless we pay they will keep it closed.

“It’s their policy to run down play areas until they can be handed over to town and parish councils.

“We are at the back of the queue yet again and asset transfer negotiations are unlikely to be concluded before 2020.

“I have written to Wiltshire Council and have challenged them quite strongly. I have asked them for a meeting.

“We are not exactly happy about this and we are not going to let this lie.”

Wiltshire Council has apologised to parents for the closure and says it hopes a long-term solution can soon be found.