PEOPLE living in West Swindon are mobilising support in a bid to prevent a well-used area of green space being used for housing.

Residents around Bodiam Drive are concerned that a crescent of land separating their street from the busy routes of the Great Western Way and Tewkesbury Drive at the Mannington Roundabout has been put forward as appropriate for 30 houses.

It is included in Swindon Borough Council’s draft masterplan identifying land for housing and employment.

But neighbours say it would mean the loss of a popular recreation space.

Kayleigh Maher and her friend Amy Lever, who both live near the land, are organising a petition against the plan to have the site made available for housing.

Kayleigh said: “We’ve been out knocking on doors and the huge majority of people are against it. There’s only two or three who are not bothered - they’re not in favour of building on the land, but they’re not dead against it. Everyone else is.”

Kayleigh and Amy are aiming to reap 750 signatures which would spark a debate of the council at a full meeting and they are confident of passing that mark.

Kayleigh added: “This land is used every day. If you drive past at five in the morning there are people walking their dogs there, and all through the day.

“The park nearby is not in very good condition, and this land is very popular. It really is a jewel in this community. And nobody knows how they’ll fit 30 houses on it”

Borough councillor Steph Exell is backing the residents’ campaign.

She said: “Residents have told me how important the open spaces are to their quality of life.

"The open spaces are carefully designed to create a buffer between the Great Western Way and residents living in the area. They provide a much-needed green corridor for residents and wildlife. The response from local residents shows the depth of opposition to any proposal to dispose of Toothill’s open spaces for development. Once the land is gone there will be no turning back."

Gary Sumner is the council’s cabinet member for strategic planning and it is his department which is responsible for assessing whether the land is suitable.

He said: “I am meeting officers to consider which sites carry through to the formal public consultation next year. The decision will be made on planning considerations.”