Ref. 25727-33THE local government ombudsman is today handling a complaint about the way Swindon Council has dealt with the proposed eviction of a family at Barbury Castle.

Lynne and Brian Simpson of Ridgeway Farm have been ordered to leave the home they rent from the council after the authority announced plans to revamp the 2,000-year-old castle site near Wroughton as a tourist attraction.

But the Tenant Farmers' Association the voice of tenant farmers across the UK say the Simpsons have been unfairly treated.

A statement issued on behalf of the TFA read: "From the time Swindon took over the management of the country park the Simpsons were too poorly equipped by the council to carry out their job as wardens. Reported repair work remained untouched for extended periods of time by the council, leading to complaints from the public.

"The council's management of the country park has been lacking since the day they inherited responsibility from Wiltshire County Council."

The TFA also claim the Simpsons have been unfairly treated in negotiations for another farm on the estate and the council has ignored the opinion of the public about the future management of the site.

The couple have been fighting plans to evict them for around two years.

The council say the family, who have a 100-head beef herd and have farmed on the Ridgeway since 1991, are not part of their revamp plans. Until late 2000 Mr Simpson, 50, acted as a warden of the site.

Swindon Council spokeswoman, Hellen Barnes said the council was unable to comment about the situation.

There are three local government ombudsmen who handle claims of malpractice by councils across the country. They will decide whether there is a case for Swindon Council to answer.