AFTER three months of effort and fundraising, it only took a few seconds for the vital decision to be made.

Swindon Council's cabinet did not hesitate in backing the building of the Evening Advertiser's memorial garden to remember the victims of mesothelioma, known as the Swindon Disease.

Last night's meeting was the culmination of the appeal which started in March to raise £10,000 to pay for the development.

Almost £12,000 has since been raised and work will now start immediately on the garden, which will be at the entrance to Queen's Park, off Drove Road.

John Short, the director of Swindon Services, will be in charge of the scheme.

Last month he drew up a blueprint for the way the garden would look and is now itching to get it underway.

He said last night: "The Adver and the public need to be commended for raising the money for this project.

"Now we just want to get on with it."

The appeal was launched by the Advertiser to recognise the hundreds of people railway workers in particular who have died from mesothelioma in Swindon.

Hundreds more, possibly thousands, will eventually succumb to the cancer.

The disease is caused by inhaling asbestos dust.

It has become so associated with the town that it has been dubbed the Swindon Disease.

The appeal was quickly embraced by the citizens of the town and many individuals, families and companies have pledged money to the cause.

Over the last three months, the Advertiser has been inundated with stories from those touched by the loss of a loved one, each telling their tale of the agony mesothelioma caused.

Donations from a few pounds to bumper cheques helped surpass our target.

And now, with the backing of the council, the lasting memorial can now be built.