CHIPPENHAM Park are one of six teams to apply for membership of the Toolstation Western League next season.

Park, who were formed at the end of last season to provide a pathway for players to progress on to Southern League football with Chippenham Town, are planning promotion after featuring in the Premier Division of the Wiltshire League this season.

The club was formed to replace the dissolved FC Chippenham Youth adult sides, Chippenham Town U18 boss Dave Ferris managing the first team, who play home games at Town's Hardenhuish Park ground.

Park were a key component in the restructuring of adult football in Chippenham, with now-departed Adie Mings moving upstairs from managing the Bluebirds to a director of football role and Nathan Rudge taking over as Town's first team player-boss.

They had hoped to join the football league pyramid at Western League level but the move was rebuffed by Football Association rules and they started life in the top flight of the Wiltshire League, where they are currently third in the table.

They would need to finish in the promotion positions - no lower than fifth - to be eligible for elevation.

Ashton & Backwell United and Minehead - only one of whom will be allowed to go up - have also applied, as have Wincanton, of the Magna Dorset Premier League and the Gloucestershire County League's Bristol Academy.

Plymouth Parkway, from the SW Peninsula League, have also applied to join the Toolstation League at Premier Division level.

Elmore are set to end their 34-season association with the Western League by resigning and moving to the SW Peninsula League, while Brislington or Hallen could move up a level from the Toolstation Premier Division if they finish in the top two.

Slimbridge and Tytherington Rocks could transfer from the Hellenic League, subject to a decision from the Leagues’ Committee of The Football Association, and if their grounds and facilities come up to the required standard.

MORE ON THIS STORY IN NEXT WEEK'S GAZETTE & HERALD AND WILTSHIRE TIMES