GREEN Square's Laurence Clarke came under fire from all quarters as questions were fired at him over the Rabley Wood development.

The public meeting in Marlborough Town Hall on Monday night was the first chance for locals to study the plans that will see houses built on the park.

Mr Clarke of the housing association behind the plans outlined plans for 39 houses to be built at the end of Rabley Wood View which would involve removing the current play area. He said 16 would be affordable of which five would be part-owned.

He said a new play area would be put in but only after two years when the building work was near completion as construction sites and playgrounds 'don't mix.'

The Mayor of Marlborough Cllr Lisa Farrell said: "Rabley Wood is a great community but it has been plonked upon."

She said young people should be included in the plans for a new play area rather than being told by Green Square what they can have.

Mr Clarke said: "We'll be guided by you guys."

Cllr Dobson said: "I hate to think there won't be a play ground for two years."

However Mr Clarke said in reply it could be longer than two years.

There were concerns about access to the site with lorries and builders causing congestion and parking problems in the single road leading to the site.

Mr Clarke admitted there would be disruption but they would ensure lorries avoided school rush hours by having a construction management plan.

Jayne Baker who lives near the site asked about the 1945 land fill site under the current playground.

The land had been extensively examined said Mr Clarke 'for all sorts of stuff' with his main concern being methane gas. He said: "At the moment there is no contamination."

He said the tenants for the affordable homes would be from Wiltshire's housing needs list.