LAND formerly used for a golf course in Highworth could become council-owned and transformed into a community space.

Town councillors expressed an interest in taking over the site now that Twigmarket has closed the Highworth Golf Centre there.

They hope to keep the land as a green space and make it accessible to all Highworth residents, with the possibility of adding activity areas and other attractions.

Town clerk David Lane explained the situation, which is still in its early stages: "Twigmarket are giving up their lease for the site and we were taking proactive steps before that was announced.

"Councillors Maureen Penny and Steve Weisinger had a meeting with Coun Keith Williams at Swindon Borough Council and the property legal department.

"They asked for the site to be an asset of community value and said we would like to take it over.

"Coun Williams did not seem negative about the idea and said he would take the matter to Cabinet."

Coun Maureen Penny said: "Highworth has not got many open areas for people to walk around and enjoy the countryside.

"Having that openness would benefit the town quite a lot. I believe that a member of the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust is quite keen to support us on this."

Coun Simon Wolfensohn suggested: "Perhaps we could use part of the land for a BMX area or running track or something like that?"

Coun Nick Gardiner said: "From a maintenance perspective, there are low-cost options like mini golf or Frisbee golf that could be part of the site."

Twigmarket signed a 25-year lease for the Highworth Golf Centre in 2014 but announced to disappointed members in December that the facility will shut permanently,.

The nine-hole golf course off Swindon Road which closed on December 20 had been a fixture of the town for many years and formed part of the membership package for Broome Manor Golf Club in Old Town, which is also leased by Twigmarket.

The company blamed low membership numbers for the closure but will continue its 75-year lease of the Broome Manor courses.

Highworth golfers still have the option of playing at the Wrag Barn Golf Club off Shrivenham Road.