WILTSHIRE environmental campaigners want local people to have their say on the future of genetic modification in British agriculture in the GM Public Debate.

Campaigners in Marlborough and Calne have organised meetings and handed out information to keep people informed about the national debate, which comes to an end tomorrow.

But many are worried the big debate has not been big enough and too few people are even aware the Government's consultation is going on.

"The whole thing has only recently come to light," said Dorothy Lewis, of Calne Friends of the Earth.

"We really felt we should try and do something. I think people around here are very anti GM, and we would like to keep Wiltshire GM free.

"Not enough is known about the technology, and once it's out there, it's out there for good."

The Calne meeting will be held at Marden House on Tuesday at 7pm.

The Friends of the Earth group has 50 questionnaires for people to fill in, which will be fed back to the Government project. Although this is past the official end date, Mrs Lewis said they had a week's grace to get the replies sent in.

Marlborough Friends of the Earth held a meeting at the Friends Meeting House on Tuesday last week, giving people information about the GM debate, including the Government's information about the pros and cons of the technology.

"There is a high level of concern," said Jo Ripley, from Marlborough.

"Most people know nothing about the debate. On the whole, the people who stop when we are leafleting in the High Street have some idea it's going on, but have no clue about how to participate."

The district and county councils are not running any meetings, but Mrs Ripley said Swindon Borough Council was taking part.

People can make known their views about the future of GM technology in Britain by completing the questionnaire at the debate website on www.gmpublicdebate.co.uk