CRICKLADE Leisure Centre is set for an upgrade as part of Wiltshire Council’s ongoing community campus scheme.

The council is currently in the process of bringing many of its facilities under one roof across the region to make it easier for residents while reducing the cost of operating numerous buildings and now it is Cricklade’s turn.

A planning application to build a new car park, introduce a new multi-games area and petanque court will be put before the council’s planning committee later this week where it is set to be approved.

A Wiltshire Council spokesman said: “We are looking at the best way forward to deliver improvements and enhancements to the centre and to allow the trust to continue to provide the services for the local community.

“We are investing nearly £80million in local communities to provide improved facilities and services across the county.”

Consultation on the move has been taking place for a number of years and the possibility of bringing other council-run services in Cricklade into the leisure centre.

A report set to go before the planning committee said: “Wiltshire Council is developing a transformation programme across all of its estate to create local community campuses.

“These campuses are intended to draw together community and council facilities under one roof, thus providing improved community facilities while rationalising the council’s estate.

“The intention is that older buildings which are poorly located, underutilised or energy inefficient can be disposed of in favour of modern more energy efficient premises.

“Although feasibility studies were carried out into work on the Ockwells site and Cricklade Police Station building (both on Cricklade High Street), after extensive consultation it was decided that new campus facilities would only be developed on the Stones Lane site.

“Ockwells will continue to provide library facilities and offices for Cricklade Town Council.”

There have been a several complaints from a handful of local residents. Chief among their concerns are the location of the new car park which will be moved to the front of the centre, thereby increasing the capacity by 37 spaces.

The new location is closer to the a number of homes, but officers believe this will not be an issue.

The report said: “At present parking is often difficult particularly at peak times.

“This will move the parking area closer to the properties on Common Hill.

“Most of these have fairly long gardens, however, and the area will be screened by the existing hedges and trees.”

The decision will made at the planning committee meeting on Wednesday.