PARISH councils in Wiltshire could have the opportunity to take over the running of more services under a scheme by Wiltshire Council.

Plays areas, allotments, and other facilities could be run by smaller parish and town councils under the widening of a scheme run in Salisbury last year.

Wiltshire Council already has a major programme of work with towns and larger parish councils to devolve services and transfer assess so they can be locally owned and delivered.

The proposals were discussed and agreed at a cabinet meeting on 27 November.

However the aim to devolve more services to local communities could be seen as another cost-cutting exercise.

A report prepared for the meeting added that the proposals are as a consequence of "reduced level of expenditure available to the council due to budget savings within the council's overall financial strategy."

Richard Clewer, cabinet member for corporate services, said: “Local communities know their areas best and many have expressed interest in taking over and running some facilities.

“Locally run services create significant opportunities to create stronger, more cohesive and sustainable communities and enhance the role of town and parish councils.”

Areas that could be considered include cemeteries, allotments, recreation fields in small parishes, and play areas.