THE bid to turn the former Wilton Middle School site into a community sports and leisure centre is gathering momentum.

Although the building is currently being marketed for sale, it will be leased to the community if no buyer is found by the end of the year.

The Wilton Middle School steering group, which includes town councillors and representatives from Wilton Town Football Club, which hopes to relocate to the school, say the idea has received widespread support.

The aim is to transform parts of the empty school into a community building that can be used by sports and social groups as well as a youth club and other community organisations.

The football club, which has grown too big for its existing facilities, hopes to start playing at the school next season and several other groups have already expressed an interest in using the site.

At a meeting of the steering group last week, members discussed access and how the buildings and open spaces could be used, and heard about repairs and maintenance work that will be needed and how much it is likely to cost.

“We’ve had a good response from residents of the Hollows and sports clubs in the town,” said Wilton councillor Peter Edge.

“If no buyer is found and we get the go ahead then fundraising and applying for grants will begin in earnest.”

The group will meet again at Wilton Town Hall on January 6.