ALLOTMENTS which were privately owned have been bought off by Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council after uproar from the people of the town.

A petition circulated in an attempt to save the land at Church Street from being auctioned off.

But it's unknown how much was spent exactly in order to save the allotments.

The mayor Nic Hughes said: "Following significant public comment and intense speculation about the future of the allotments in Church Street, the Town Council would like to confirm its determination to ensure the site remains in public use for allotments.

"Members of the public may notice that the site has been withdrawn from auction with a notice saying it has been “sold prior” to the auction taking place.

"Councillors and officers of a Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council are bound by confidentiality in this matter and cannot make statements publicly or on social media. Please respect the constraints placed upon councillors and refrain from asking for more information.

"As soon as the council is in a position to give further information a formal press release will be published. Until that time please be assured that your council is acting in the best interests of the town."