I AM appalled by the lack of leadership from the Conservative and Labour councillors on the development at Coate.

With building going on all around us, places like Coate are priceless.

People need opportunities for recreation in the countryside and the wildlife with whom we share this planet can only survive if we protect their habitats. Once our landscape is covered with concrete it is destroyed forever and we will pay a huge environmental price.

Yes, we need more houses and Swindon will benefit from an expansion of the University of Bath. But not at any price.

It is Labour's Deputy Prime Minister whom we have to thank for the ruling that puts Coate at risk from the developers.

Now a Labour councillor suggests adding a stadium to the 1,800 houses and university campus.

It is the job of elected representatives to protect the interests of the community as a whole and to plan for the future.

It is not acceptable for the Conservative Council Leader to say "my hands are tied, there is nothing I can do," when a petition has been signed by 12,000 people so far.

The Liberal Democrats have stood against development on our countryside and support the Save Coate campaign.

We know where we stand on this issue and encourage people to tell their councillors and MPs where they should stand.

Sue Stebbing

Parliamentary Spokesperson

South Swindon