NEWS that several universities are interested in moving to Swindon has sparked further debate.

On Monday the Adver reported that Swindon Council leader Roderick Bluh is optimistic that a deal can be struck to replace the void left when the University of Bath scrapped its plans for the town.

Swindon Council has always been adamant that Coate would only be developed if a university moved in.

But campaigners don't want to see Coate built on at all, and have suggested alternative sites.

Jean Saunders from the Save Coate group posted on the Adver website to say that North Star near Swindon College would be a much better bet.

"There is now a major opportunity to find a university partner that is interested in providing higher education at a central site, such as North Star as originally planned.

"Funding applications are also likely to be better supported.

"In the meantime, there are universities already involved in providing higher education in Swindon including degree courses. "The University of Bath hasn't pulled out of the town, it has just pulled out of the Coate proposals and rightly so."

But Donkey, of Swindon, wrote: "I don't think Mrs Saunders has done her homework on this one.

"Where, may I ask, can a piece of land at North Star be found to accommodate a university?

"I have changed my mind on putting it at Coate, but there is a smashing site between Shrivenham and Faringdon which would be quite useful, and not too far from Gablecross to police the unruly."

Mush1234 wrote to say: "The majority of Swindonians could not care less whether there is a new university as long as it isn't at Coate.

"If we do get one I think the majority would agree it should be called the University of Swindon, not Bath, or Bristol or any other stupid name they come up with.

"Swindon College would be a good place but, as per usual it's going to be changed into flats, like we need more of them."

And Jason wrote: "As usual the prospect of Coate has been turned into a pro/anti University debate.

"There was a whole stack of land available at the existing Bath Uni site at Oakfield.

"This site could have incorporated the derelict Brown Brothers site, and a footbridge over Dorcan Way would have made another large area of land available at the previous St Joseph's site.

"The developers and town planners made no attempt to even discuss alternatives, and the land has been used for yet more houses and flats.

"Why are the developers so dogmatic that they have to spoil the setting of Coate?"