A COLONY of newts are in the process of being removed from Woolmore Farm in Melksham after causing the opening of new football and rugby facilities to be delayed by a year.

The protected amphibians, which were identified by Wiltshire Council in October following an ecological survey, could not be moved until there were five days of consecutive warm weather.

So plans have been on hold to start building the new stadium worth around £5m and pitches, at the site near Melksham Oak Community School, before they are safely relocated.

At the Melksham Area Board yesterday Laurie Bell, who is Wiltshire Council’s associate director for communications and communities, said the newts are is the process of being moved and contractors Beard and Kestrel will be on site as of next month to begin work.

She also confirmed Wiltshire Council will be paying for repairs at Melksham Town FC’s grounds at The Conigre as the club will be using it for another season.

She said: “We have met with the football club to have a very open and frank discussion with them about what’s happening, all the funding, all the project management and how we intend to get that underway. Another meeting will be held with the football club the week after next.

“They are now reassured that they will get what they need for both of the clubs to operate and to be sustainable for the future.”

The Great Crested newts have also delayed the building of the town’s campus as work cannot start until both the football and rugby clubs current grounds have been demolished.