Despite an on-going protest, two fields in Highworth are now on the market for housing development.

But like Swindon's Front Garden, which is also earmarked for houses, concerns have been raised over its suitability for development because of flooding during the last fortnight.

The two fields in Pentylands Close, measuring just over five- and-a-half acres, are being sold by St Michael's Parish Church and Highworth United Reformed Church, to raise up to £1.6 million for their funds.

But since the churches announced their intention in March 1999 to sell off the land, they have met fierce opposition from local residents who formed Pentylands Preservation Group in protest.

And eco-warriors gathered on the land last month to bless it and those protecting it.

The fields are finally on the market but the protest group have not given up yet. Committee member Jan Haylett who lives in Pentylands Close, said: "We are working under the assumption that the land is going to be sold, so we are now in the process of gathering evidence to oppose the planning applications when they are submitted.

"The fields have been partially flooded during the last two weeks and so we do not think they are suitable for building on.

"And the access to the development will be a narrow lane on the bend of a road. We recently had an horrific road accident in Highworth where a mother and her two children were seriously injured, and we don't want that sort of thing happening here."

The fields are being sold on behalf of the churches by Whitmarsh Preece Lockhart and Hinton Newport. Up to 50 homes could be built on the land.

Mike Mason, an associate for Whitmarsh Preece Lockhart, said: "We are offering the land by informal tender, which means we have set a deadline of Friday, December 15, for prospective developers to submit bids to us.

"It is up to developers to investigate whether the land has any flooding history and to decide whether they want to buy it."

Peter Hinton of Hinton Newport is a member of St Michael's parochial church council but he said this did not clash in any way with his business duties.

"I am a member of the PCC and the congregation but I don't hold any office and I don't have any authority over church matters. There is a business arrangement between Hinton Newport and the church but the terms are confidential," he said.