As regular users of Barbury Castle, we were disappointed to read of the proposed eviction of Lynne and Brian Simpson from Ridgeway Farm.

Along with the vast majority of those who visit Barbury Castle, we hoped the council would come to its senses and realise that its plan to develop the site as a 'tourist attraction, complete with visitor centre and walkways' is as hare-brained and inappropriate as it is unwelcome.

Barbury Castle currently offers excellent facilities for the rambler, cyclist, nature lover, horse rider, dog walker and kite flyer, giving them precisely what they want. It's not broken and doesn't need fixing.

On a personal level, as keen and regular walkers, we can park our car in relative safety, enjoy a wide variety of walks in any direction, and refresh ourselves with reasonably priced refreshments at Ridgeway Farm on our return.

The area is well used, but never overcrowded, and a wealth of wildlife can be seen by those who are prepared to look for it instead of needing to have it presented to them on a plate.

The proposal to develop this area as a tourist attraction, destroying its natural beauty with buildings, walkways and associated facilities, beggars belief.

It is difficult to see where the idea sprung from. Certainly it has not come from those who currently make use of the area, and we've not heard Swindon council tax payers clamouring to have their money wasted on such a scheme.

It is incredible that a council which is failing to provide decent educational and library facilities, social services, traffic management and other basic services, despite annual above-inflation rises in council tax, can seriously consider taking on the additional task of raping the countryside at an undisclosed cost and against the wishes of the vast majority.

I would far sooner put my trust in the Simpsons of this world than in Swindon Council.

R & H Nicholls

Axbridge Close