Anne Snelgrove Picture Ref: 72773-70THE Save Coate campaign has welcomed a pledge by Swindon's new MP.

In her first speech in Parliament Anne Snelgrove, the MP for South Swindon, vowed to break the deadlock over plans to build a university campus at Coate.

The Save Coate campaign, which has collected nearly 18,000 signatures against the plans for a university campus, 1,800 homes and a business development, was delighted with the promise.

Mrs Snelgrove, who took over from Julia Drown, used her maiden speech to call for a third way to be found on the University of Bath's plans.

Under her compromise deal the university would build its medical faculty next to the hospital and its arts faculty in the town. All sides would search for the space in the town to build three more faculties and the campus.

"What Anne Snelgrove said was totally commendable," said campaign spokeswoman Jean Saunders. "We fully support the line she was taking.

"We were quite happy about the prospect of a university medical research facility next to the hospital at Coate, but nothing else.

"Another solution needs to be found for accommodating the remaining proposals.

"We are absolutely delighted that she has flagged the Coate issue up in the House of Commons.

"We are looking forward to discussing with her how Swindon could benefit from the presence of a university and keep Swindon's favourite place intact."

But Mrs Saunders said campaigners wanted to see the same commitment from local councillors. "It is now up to the borough council to take a firm line," she said. "At the moment we are not getting that commitment.

"Much as we appreciate Anne Snelgrove's support, at the end of the day it is persuading local members of the council that they are backing the wrong horse."

Mrs Snelgrove has now arranged to meet with campaigners, including Mrs Saunders, next week and is setting up a meeting with the University of Bath.

In June or July she will also send a letter to every home in the constituency including a questionnaire on issues such as the university.

"I am also hoping to hold meetings with local people," she said.

"I want to gauge the temperature of ordinary people in Swindon.

"I think there is a great swathe of people out there, reading the paper and thinking about the issues, who have their own opinions but don't necessarily speak in public."

Isabel Field