A LAST-DITCH attempt to build a state-of-the-art sports complex in Warminster has been launched by a group of investors, despite the previous plan being thrown-out by the council.

Athena Leisure want to take over the rugby club ground in Folly Lane and create a £2m multi-sports complex, but their plan was recommended for rejection by Warminster Town Council and West Wiltshire District Council later rejected it.

Jon Brennan, of Athena Leisure, said: "Having battled our way through many meetings with various groups of supporters and sceptics alike we were getting close to throwing in the towel, as we felt that there were town councillors and Government officers that either didn't understand the concept or did not want the facility on this site.

"This is despite the overwhelming support from many of the residents of Warminster and the surrounding villages."

But Mr Brennan said that because of public support for the project, they felt it was worth one last try.

He said: "Our proposals are to create a centre that will cater for a variety of sports offering adults and children of all levels the opportunity to be part of a sports community offering clear pathways through the sports or simply to participate."

The town council opposed the plans as they were concerned about access routes in Folly Lane not being big enough to cope with the extra demands in traffic.

Cllr Martin Baker said: "The committee was concerned over the dimensions of the building, the fact that it was on a greenfield site and that access routes on Folly Lane were not sufficient."

But Mr Brennan said the group has since met with the Highways Agency and has agreed how the access routes to the ground can be improved.

But Mr Brennan vowed this was their last attempt as they are a privately financed company investing 50 per cent themselves and 50 per cent from banks for the project.

He said: "It costs £7,950 just to submit an application and around £5,000 for highways consultants, business analysts and sports consultants so we have invested £30,000 so far.

"If it doesn't go through this time then we will go to Nottingham or Plymouth where we have been told the project will be welcomed."