Ref. 30178-85THOUSANDS of Swindonians are set to take to the streets on Saturday in a mass protest calling for a halt to building on green spaces.

The Stop alliance Swindonians Together On Planning consists of the Swindon Forest Protection Group, Save Coate and the Front Garden Action Group, who are all involved in campaigning against developments.

Swindon Civic Trust and the New Mechanics' Preservation Trust are also lending their support to STOP.

The march will see an anticipated 4,000 people make their way from all parts of the town to congregate at the Civic Offices in Euclid Street at noon.

The Swindon Forest Protection Group, which is campaigning against the proposed football stadium at Shaw, will start marching from the forest in Mead Way at 10am.

The Save Coate and the Front Garden Action Group will meet at the Coate Water car park at 10am and march to Euclid Street from there, along with other supporters.

The routes will meet at the apron of the Front Garden at the junction of the old railway track and the old canal.

From there it will head into Swindon town centre, passing through Canal Walk and along Regent Street.

March organiser Alan Hayward, of the Swindon Forest Protection Group, said the routes were designed to make full use of footpaths and cycle tracks, avoiding roads where possible.

Mr Hayward, a 44-year-old IT consultant, said: "I believe that it is in the common interest of all the people of Swindon that we join together and call a halt to the developer and money-driven strategies that are ultimately going to damage our lives.

"This is not a political event nor are we seeking to cause traffic congestion.

"It will be a peaceful, good-natured family protest with entertainers booked to amuse the crowds while the march is finishing at the Civic Offices."

Once the protestors reach Euclid Street, there will be a number of speeches made, including an address by Julia Drown, MP for South Swindon.

The police have been consulted ahead of Saturday's march.

They have given STOP organisers advice on ensuring the safety of protestors.

The police have advised march organisers to use several safety marshals wearing high visibility jackets, to keep children under control, to use road crossings wherever possible and carry plenty of water if it is hot.

For more information on Saturday's march, visit www.sfpg.org.uk/june5th.shtml

Prescott may have final say on stadium

JOHN PRESCOTT could have the final say on plans for the stadium and sports village at Shaw.

Councillor Justin Tomlinson (Con, Abbey Meads) warned yesterday that because the plans had caused controversy and were on such a large scale, the Deputy Prime Minister would probably have to be involved if or when the council received the planning application.

Swindon Town and developers St Modwen are preparing a detailed planning application that should be with the council by the end of the summer.

The football club has admitted it has been surprised by the strength of reaction from West Swindon residents but says it has taken their views into consideration.

The developers say they have already modified plans as a result of public consultation.

Coun Tomlinson, the lead member for cultural services and recreation, said the developer's plans might have to be modified further before agreement was reached, if that was possible.

Emma-Kate Lidbury