IMPROVED sports facilities are to be provided in Ramsbury following the approval of a planning application by Kennet District Council.

The plan by the trustees of Ramsbury Recreation Centre to build a single-storey pavilion plus an extension to the existing clubhouse was opposed by a minority of villagers who feared it could lead to parking congestion and road accidents. Another concern was light pollution as additional floodlights will be built.

The plan involves the construction of a fifth tennis court, a multi sports area, extended clubhouse, new car park and improved football pitches.

The centre trustees said the multi sports area would be used as a football training area and for basketball and netball, for which youth members have to travel to Marlborough and Swindon.

Derek Bolton, who lives near the recreation centre in Hilldrop Lane, spoke out against the plan at a meeting of Kennet's regulatory committee on Thursday.

Mr Bolton and his wife Clare, was shaken when a stolen car crashed through a window of their home, Old Forge Cottage, in February.

He said expanding the recreation centre would lead to more people using cars, which potentially could lead to more accidents.

His concern was echoed by Ken Hollyoak, a transportation and civil engineer who represented a number of residents.

"He said: "Access is my main concern. There have been accidents at the past at Manor Lane and the junction with Hilldrop Lane is substandard and this will exacerbate the problems.

"I fear there will be more accidents and a repeat of what happened two months ago (at the Bolton's property). Parking may overspill as a result of the numbers of people using the recreation centre and parking is already a problem in Ramsbury."

Wiltshire County Council raised no objections to the plan subject to the improvement of visibility splays and the creation of a passing bay in Hilldrop Lane.

Ian Smith, chairman of Ramsbury Recreation Centre, said: "This scheme does have the overwhelming support of the majority of the village both individually and village groups which includes the village surgery on health grounds and the school. We think this is a wonderful vision for the youth of the village to play sport."

He said the trustees would install an overriding facility on three existing floodlights not subject to planning conditions so the lights go off at 11pm and said the trustees have no objection to the floodlights in the multi games area, nearest the houses, going off at 10pm.

Ramsbury ward councillor Susan Findlay, although acknowledged concerns about floodlighting and access.

She added: "I feel the new facilities will be beneficial to the village to keep youngsters and adults healthy, out of mischief and to create a sense of community."

The plan was agreed by the committee with one member voting against it.