PLANS for a beauty spot in Royal Wootton Bassett to have everything from boats for hire to mini golf have split the town.

Jubilee Lake, which is a designated wildlife area, has been in the spotlight since the town council decided to conduct a survey to find out if people wanted changes to take place.

The results are due to be debated by town councillors at a full council meeting tonight.

The Have Your Say on Jubilee Lake questionnaire was available to download on-line between March 18 and April 23. Students of Royal Wootton Bassett Academy were also given the chance to have their say on subjects ranging from parking to forest schools.

On many of the issues the views of the students were in stark contrast to those of residents. The youngsters were keen for mini golf to be introduced with 309 voting in favour and just four against while among the wider population just 15 were in favour and 102 against.

Boating on the lake also split the age groups with 173 school pupils wanting the new activity compared with just seven residents.

The provision of a forest school for children to learn about the great outdoors gained a total of 337 yes votes and 125 no votes.

The idea of introducing a car parking charge for everyone apart from those who live in Royal Wootton Bassett was vetoed by both students and residents with 96 in favour and 176 against.

Bob Philpott from Royal Wootton Bassett Environmental Group said: “I am concerned how it is broken down. The consultation was clearly circulated around Royal Wootton Bassett Academy.

"As a result there are many requests for all sorts of leisure facilities down there. I am concerned that if this goes ahead with the various suggestions listed this site will be destroyed.

“My concern is that there was no mention in the consultation of the designated state of the lake and its surroundings. As a result you are going to get a wish list of leisure activities.”

Among other ideas put forward by the school pupils was for a ‘death slide’ similar to one at Bowood adventure park and for an app to help identify animals and flowers at the lake.