A town poll to decide the fate of Melksham Library and the youth club will not take place next month, after Wiltshire Council put the kybosh on the idea.

A petition from 10 residents was presented to councillors at the annual meeting of Melksham Town Council on April 4, in a bid to trigger the calling of a town poll.

Those behind the move wanted to ask Melksham residents whether they thought moving the town centre library and youth club to the proposed campus at Bowerhill was a good idea or not.

Campaigners had hoped a poll could be held on May 5, to coincide with the national referendum on the Alternative Vote, but their hopes were dashed this week when the unitary authority said it would not be legal to hold a poll.

Under the Local Government Act 1972 a town poll must first be decided upon by the majority of those present at the meeting at which it was called. Wiltshire Council has refused to validate the call for a poll because people attending the meeting were not called upon to vote on the request.

Wiltshire Council solicitor Ian Gibbons said: “The returning officer is unable to proceed with the demand for a poll as the necessary statutory requirements have not been met.

“I understand the question set out in the demand for a poll was not voted upon at the town meeting. In these circumstances the demand for a poll is not lawfully made and the returning officer cannot execute it.”

However there may be a reprieve for those hoping to hold the town poll. A special town council meeting is planned for May 3 at 7pm at the town hall at which the proposition could be put to the meeting again.

Wiltshire councillor for Melksham Jon Hubbard said: “The right of local residents to call a poll about issues affecting their local community has been undermined and we need to make sure that they are able to air their views.”