Ref. 28851-05THE Swindon branch of Greenpeace will fold unless new campaigners are prepared to take over the mantle.

The campaign group was established in 2001 by Kate and Simon Linnegar of Stratton St Margaret, who wanted to join a local branch but discovered one did not exist.

Hundreds of people have signed their petitions or postcards on environmental issues ranging from GM crops to renewable energy.

But last year membership dwindled to just six, which was not enough to organise campaigns.

Mrs Linnegar, who has two children Natasha, four, and Alexander, seven said: "We were able to be very active for some time but now some members have moved away and the rest of us have too many other commitments, such as family or work.

"We need a good number of people if we want to do street collections or collect signatures for petitions in the town centre.

"We've decided to disband and just support other groups in Wiltshire, but if local people come forward and want to join, then at least three members would keep the group going.

"Many people have said they support what we are doing so I am sure the interest is there in Swindon."

Activists have gone to great lengths to get their message across.

In November they dressed up as a cow and protested outside Sainsbury's about milk produced by cows fed on genetically modified maize.

The protesters gave any customers who had bought standard milk the chance to exchange it for organic milk.

And in May, they dressed as tigers and urged motorists to boycott Esso in a national protest because they believe the company is not investing enough in renewable energy.

Friends of the Earth Swindon co-ordinator Jean Saunders said: "The internet has revolutionised the way we campaign. Street collections are a bit old hat.

"There are still a lot of people who are concerned about the environment but find it difficult to join in active campaigns."

Whether Greenpeace disbands or not, member Simon Bridewell will continue to maintain its website. This can be found at www.greenpeaceactive.org.uk. Anyone interested in joining can call Pete Matthews 01980 624691.