CAMPAIGNERS against the Front Garden development are considering reporting Swindon Borough Council for malpractice.

Swindon councillors decided to allow the development of 3,800 homes to go ahead on the rural buffer between Swindon's Old Town and the M4 between Wootton Bassett.

Now the Front Garden Action Group is deciding whether to take the matter up with the Local Government Ombudsman.

The campaigners say the council had no intention of listening to Swindon people.

They claim a badly-flawed technical appraisal always meant that any decision would weigh in the development's favour.

The group will also launch an appeal to raise £5,000 through leafleting, to take the matter to the courts if Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott does not overturn the decision within the 28-day time limit.

FRAG chairman Terry King said: "The meeting last week was an absolute disgrace and just proves that the Labour councillors don't listen to the people of Swindon."

Deputy council leader Derek Benfield (Lab, Covingham and Nythe) said: "All I would say is that I will pass no comment on FRAG's actions now, only they must do what they feel is best.

"On the other hand the majority of the people I have spoken to in Swindon feel that the council has made the right decision."