Kissing gates will soon be replacing stiles on rights of way in and around Westbury, after area board councillors agreed to spend £3,000 on the project at a meeting held last Thursday.

Parish councils will now be asked to identify where they think a stile could be replaced with a kissing gate to improve access.

The move is part of the commitment to improve access to the countryside and to encourage enjoyment of the local environment.

The project will be in partnership with Wiltshire Council’s Rights of way officer and the gates will be fitted by volunteers from the local Ramblers.

The area board also approved a grant request from the Westbury branch of the Royal British Legion for £1,250 for the repair and restoration of the war memorial in Edward Street as part of plan to commemorate the centenary of fhe First World War.

Elsewhere, Bratton Recreation Ground received a grant for £739 towards new shower facilities, while Westbury Bowls Club had a grant request for £500 approved by the area board.