Amateur dramatics group Athelstan Players is petitioning for a permanent stage if town hall refurbishment plans go ahead.

The group's old stage at Malmesbury Secondary School' s Corn Gastons site was demolished four years ago.

Since then it has been using the Hobbes Room in the town hall for rehearsals.

Athelstan Players' treasurer Margaret Williams said the group was campaigning for itself and other community groups in the town. "In any village in the area you will find a stage but in Malmesbury there is not even enough room for a wedding band. As a group if we cannot find a stage we will have to go outside the town and we would lose our audience," she said.

Town hall action group chairman Ian Pollard said: "Adaptability and flexibility are the watchwords of the day. Whatever will happen to the town hall it has to be financially viable to create a permanent fixed stage. Now they only use it for two weeks a year so you have got to pay for what is right."

Mr Pollard said no decision had been made and the action group was still considering the matter.

Town hall manager Ian Mace, whose wife Christine performs with the players, said many people in Malmesbury supported them finding a new stage.

Deputy mayor Jackie Martin said: "I feel really sorry for the Athelstan Players. They do not have a room that is big enough to perform. It is something that is desperately needed. I totally support them and will bring it up at every opportunity."