IT IS four months since Judge Justice Ousely gave his judgement in the High Court regarding the legal issues in the case of the Front Garden in southern Swindon.

Though his judgement went against FRAG, he did accept many of the practical arguments against development, and he also warned Swindon Council that his judgement should not be regarded as rigid, as unforeseen surprises could arise and authorities could not carry on regardless of an obvious error.

Indeed, some of the practical constraints such as flooding, wildlife, noise, and ancient hedge growth will already have to be reconsidered in the light of new Government advice/regulations and changing circumstances, so the development is neither easy nor a foregone conclusion.

It is interesting to note that the main insurance companies, in an article in a national newspaper last week, have confirmed that they will no longer insure either buildings or contents if development takes place in a known flood risk area.

No insurance also means no mortgage, so potential buyers of houses in such an area risk considerable financial problems.

Much further public consultation is to take place over the next year or so, and several critical independent assessments much be commissioned. It is unlikely that any building will start for at least three to four years.

Meanwhile, FRAG can take heart in the fact that it has already influenced the developers' initial plans, which will incorporate many of its country park ideas if the development does take place.

We again wish to thank the many supporters for their support over the past four years. We have had to pay more than £19,000 in legal costs already, and now face a bill from the council for costs of up to £10,000, £2,600 of this had already been donated. We would be most grateful if those supporters who have not helped us recently could now forward a donation to our Treasurer at 47 Bath Road, as soon as possible as the council bill must be met by April 2.

TERRY KING

Bankside

Swindon