Ref. 27998-66A tenant farming couple was today preparing to sit tight in their home of 12 years despite court orders demanding their departure.

Lynne and Brian Simpson were given a Swindon County Court order to vacate Ridgeway Farm by today.

Swindon council claimed their presence did not fit in with its plans to revamp the area around Barbury Castle for tourists.

They have found temporary shelter for their 63 cows, but they have not been so lucky for themselves.

Mrs Simpson, 48, said it would be impossible to leave today. "We haven't found anywhere else to live - we have nowhere to go," she said.

"I have all the packing to do which is hard because I have a bad back and Brian is still on crutches after having a hip operation.

"It's not just the house but the caf and all the machinery that's associated with farming. It's pretty exhausting."

They still have 25 sheep and a cow and her calf to rehome in buildings they also rent from the council in Southleaze, south of the M4. It marks the end of their three-year battle to stay on the premises.

Mrs Simpson said: "The council said it will shoot any animals left on the land. That would be awful. The last cow and calf were too stressed by all the moving which is why we have left them for the time being.

"When they have all gone it will be the first time in 12 years there are no animals on the downs.

"The buildings are not suitable but we are doing the best we can. We have no other option. We have tried every other avenue and the council has just not listened.

"They have already leased my business out to new tenants but they have not told me how much compensation I will receive for it."

A 500-signature petition was handed in to the council in support of the Simpsons and they have been inundated with messages of sympathy.

The Local Government Ombudsman is investigating whether Swindon Council has handled the situation properly. The body has the power to rule whether local authorities are guilty of maladministration. It has not set a date for the publication of its findings yet.

But council spokesman Gavin Calthrop said the ombudsman's decision will not reverse the decision to evict the couple.

"The ombudsman report won't affect the court order," he said. "The details about the new tenants are confidential and we won't be releasing details about that."

Mr Calthrop also confirmed the council's rights to destroy remaining cattle.

Bhavani Vadde