Ref. 26059-08A PETITION against the planned eviction of a tenant farming couple from land near Barbury Castle has been handed over to Swindon mayor Derek Benfield.

More than 500 people signed their names in opposition to the moves against Brian and Lynne Simpson of Ridgeway Farm.

On September 1, the couple will face the start of legal action to remove them as part of ongoing plans by the local authority to revamp the area around the castle.

Mr and Mrs Simpson, who are aged 50 and 48, say this would deprive them of their business, their home and the snack bar Mrs Simpson has built up.

The petition was raised at the castle at the weekend by supporters led by Roger Hayes, who organises regular charity bicycle rides in the area, and Mary Ratcliffe, aSwindon local history expert best known for her appearances as Queen Victoria at local street events.

Mr Hayes said: "Not one person refused to sign, and not one person spoke in favour of the council's plans or the eviction of the Simpsons. We had over 500 signatures and everyone we spoke to was very supportive."

The Simpsons, who have farmed the land since 1991,say they will fight through the courts if necessary.

They were originally asked to leave by the end of July last year, but this was postponed for 12 months,

A further one-month postponement came at the last month because of what the council described as the couple's current circumstances.

Mrs Simpson said she and her husband were overwhelmed by the support demonstrated in the petition.

Coun Derek Benfield (Lab, Covingham and Nythe) said before receiving the petition that he was duty-bound as mayor to accept it, but had no further comment to make."