A number of options for improving west Wiltshire's open spaces and leisure/sports facilities have been put out for public consultation by the District Council.

The work follows on from a detailed leisure and recreation needs assessment, carried out for the council last year by consultants Kit Campbell Associates.

The assessment came up with 13 key themes, which show the range of areas currently under consideration. They include countryside access, green space management and maintenance, indoor sports provision, provision for children's play areas and the future of Southwick Country Park.

A number of possible preferred options are now being identified so that an action plan for the next few years can be developed. Alongside this work is the need to draft a development plan document, which will set out the council's planning policies around leisure and recreation.

Mark Russell, the planning policy and conservation manager, said: "We initially had over 70 recommendations put forward by the consultants, and we have been trying to focus on those that will bring the most benefit to west Wiltshire.

"We have also had to consider what we can realistically afford, and what can be delivered in partnership with other organisations. "The outcomes of the consultation will be considered by a project board of members in April, with recommendations then going to cabinet and full council in May."

Cllr Gordon Cox, the leisure portfolio holder and chairman of the project board, said: "The assessment covered every aspect of recreation and leisure in west Wiltshire, with a huge number of suggested recommendations being put forward. "We need to be sure that the options we progress are the right ones for the district, which is why we are going through this current process. I hope as many people as possible give their views."

  • Copies of the options paper can be seen and downloaded on the council's website at www.westwiltshire.gov.uk or obtained by calling (01225) 762471.