SWINDON will be home to the cutting edge of medical science if Bath University can build its second campus in the borough, says its vice chancellor Glynis Breakwell.

But she says unless it is built on greenfield land at Coate, the campus will not be built in Swindon at all.

The university will not only be a major world player in the fight against killer diseases, but will also lead the field in Europe with its pharmacy department. Great strides will be made in making drugs safer and cheaper and finding medical breakthroughs.

To do this, Professor Breakwell says, the campus must be sited next to the Great Western Hospital so that university and medical staff can work closely together.

There is opposition to this plan from residents and campaign groups who don't want the greenfield land used for more development.

But the professor states categorically that Coate Water and protected areas will not be spoiled and the university has environmentalists working on the plan.

The Government has been criticised recently for dragging its heels over whether funding will be given for the Swindon scheme and there are fears the money could go to another town.

There will be plenty of time for the public to have a say during the consultation period but all the issues need to be weighed up carefully.