PROPOSALS to turn garages in Cricklade into a gallery of graffiti art have been put on hold until the town council has had a chance to debate the issue.

The project was put forward by GreenSquare for a £3,000 grant at Wednesday night’s Royal Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Area Board following concerns about the Parsonage Farm estate’s reputation for anti-social behaviour.

But the housing association has been told a decision will be delayed until the May meeting after questions were raised about whether it would have the right effect in the long term.

The plan to turn the garages into a giant mural, designed and painted by youngsters with guidance from professional artists, is part of an effort by GreenSquare to provide more activities for youngsters.

Cricklade has suffered a spate of vandalism and anti-social behaviour in the past year following the disbanding of Wiltshire Council’s youth service and the loss of permanent local youth workers.

But Bob Jones, unitary councillor for Cricklade and Latton expressed reservations. “I do oppose this project,” he said.

There was a long history of organisations carrying out similar schemes, which were successful at first but deteriorated over time.

He had also spoken to people living in the area who were not aware of it and were opposed to it.

Mark Clarke, chairman of Cricklade Town Council, said the project was due to be discussed in council next week.

“As a town council we have not taken a view on this because we only recently became aware of it. Personally, I have reservations, but I cannot speak for the town council.”

He said the council had not been consulted although it rented one of the garages and when the Connecting Youth workers had done a survey of young people in the town, a graffiti project had not been mentioned.

He added: “The town council would only approve of this project if they knew the residents were supportive.”

Coun Chris Hurst said: “We don’t want to spend money on a project that is not going to be successful in the long term.”

He suggested delaying a decision until more information was known about the success of similar schemes in other areas, including Gloucester.

Colleague Coun Mollie Groom added: “It would be wise to defer a decision until Cricklade Town Council has put its views forward.”

GreenSquare, which has a small fund for community projects, had asked for the money to help pay for tools and equipment which would be used in two evening sessions and a weekend.

It said the idea came out of a skate session it organised for local youngsters.