PLANNERS have agreed to a scheme to create a new cycle path running through the Lawns public open space.

At last night's planning committee meeting, members decided to give the go ahead for the path, which will form part of Swindon Borough Council's strategic cycle network, linking Old Town, Coate Water and the new Great Western Hospital at Commonhead.

The new route will join up Old Mill Lane, Lakeside, and Dorchester Road, and complete what the council says would be an important route for cyclists.

Coun Mike Bawden (Con, Old Town and Lawns) told fellow councillors that he was opposed to the scheme.

He said: "This is the most historic urban parkland in Swindon. These plans would change the character or the area. It is out of keeping with Old Town and the Lawns area in particular.

"Most of the residents living near the park are opposed to the idea and I think that their views should be borne in mind.

"There is an alternative route which would be less environmentally intrusive."

But Coun Wendy Johnson (Lib Dem, Old Town and Lawn) called the idea "sensible".

She said: "It is a route that is used by cyclists anyway and I don't agree that there is any other route that will minimise the potential contact between cyclists and motorists."

The controversial scheme is opposed by some residents living in nearby Dorchester Road, Greywethers Avenue, Bouverie Avenue and Raglan Close who claim that the pathway is in the wrong place.

They say that laying a hard cycle path would be out of character with the surrounding grassy open space and that lighting planned along the route would cause light pollution, add to anti-social behaviour, and even confuse wildlife.

They are also concerned about the risk of accidents involving cyclists.

Supporters say the plan is vital to encourage people to adopt alternative green methods of transport.