The Front Garden Action Group Committee noted the excellent letter by Mr P Timms regarding our fight to prevent development on the Front Garden.

May we offer some points which may enable him and other readers to better understand our intentions.

Firstly, once we have won this fight we hope to persuade Swindon Borough Council to develop the Front Garden as a country park.

Secondly, we were not involved in the debate about Nationwide or the new hospital as neither of these are on the Front Garden.

Thirdly, we have more than 20 practical reasons against developments on the land, including noise, pollution, wildlife, flood risks and traffic congestion.

We do not regard the Front Garden as sacred, but contend that it is the wrong place for development.

Finally, we have indeed challenged the number of houses being forced on Swindon by Wiltshire County Council, and in fairness so has the council.

The matter has still to be resolved as part of the Wiltshire Structure Plan.

We hope Mr Timms can continue to enjoy his use of the old railway track above the Front Garden for many years, without having his view spoiled by houses.

T M KING

Chairman FRAG

Bankside, Okus