CAMPAIGNERS against the Front Garden development are considering reporting the borough council for malpractice.

Last week Swindon councillors gave the go ahead for the development of 3,800 homes to be built on the rural buffer between Old Town and the M4.

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 and that a 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: "I will pass no comment on FRAG's actions now. They must do what they feel is best. But the majority of the people I have spoken to in Swindon feel that the council has made the right decision."