CAMPAIGNERS who took their Front Garden anti-building battle to the High Court have organised a fundraising bicycle ride to help pay their legal costs.

The Front Garden Action Group (FRAG) lost last year's bid to prevent Swindon Council from allowing around 4,500 homes to be built on the large area of green space.

FRAG has met legal costs of £30,845, with £1,666 still owing to a solicitor.

That is why the group has organised a six-mile family bike ride near the Front Garden to be held on Sunday.

FRAG leader Terry King said: "We are still fighting and have no plans to give up. Besides raising money, the event will also remind people that we are still very much opposed to the development."

Mr King, who claims to have 10,000 supporters, believes the building project will never come to fruition because the land is too prone to flooding.

FRAG is also concerned about archaeology, wildlife habitat and ancient hedgerows on the site.

Moreover, the group believes the homes are not needed.

Mr King said: "The council is busy building on brownfield sites, so there is no need to build on this greenfield land.

"It would ruin the aspect of the Okus ridge and the area of outstanding beauty which lies to the south."

But Bryant Homes, the developer, says it has consulted with the Environment Agency and says the flood risk is manageable.

Bryant Homes has already displayed details plans of the project to the public and will publish amendments to the planning application next month.

Nick Sedgwick, Bryant Homes project manager, said: "The development team is still considering the comments received during the latest round of public consultation held by Swindon Council earlier in the year.

"The amendments will address the concerns raised by FRAG and other groups."

Building is scheduled to start in 2005/6 and the entire project could take 16 years to complete.

Mr Sedgwick added: "The principle of development is well established and the need for new housing in Swindon is critical to Swindon's future economic success."

Although Swindon Council has yet to grant formal planning permission for the Front Garden, it has agreed in principle to the area being built upon.

The application is expected to go before full council in October.

The FRAG bicycle ride starts at the Mannington Retail Park on the Wootton Bassett Road at 3pm. Entry in advance is £2 per rider or £5 for a family. To book a place call Mr King on 01793 487154.