A WOMAN wants to start a campaign to save the Goddard Arms Hotel in Old Town.

As the Adver reported last week developers have submitted plans to knock down part of the hotel, leaving just 10 bedrooms and build 43 family homes on the site.

But Sandra Bell, of Nythe, says that the hotel, which has been owned by Forestdale Hotels for the last four years, is part of the town and something needs to be done.

"It's part of Swindon," she said.

"What will attract visitors to Old Town if the Goddard is not here?"

The hotel has been having difficulties trying to battle against competition from big hotel chains.

To make things easier the owners have applied to reduce the 18th Century former coaching inn's size and give part of the site over to housing.

"Big money is at the root of it all," said the 60-year-old part-time hairdresser.

"The proposed development will remove yet another part of Swindon's heritage, leaving us with nothing more than a concrete jungle in Old Town.

"There are lots of people who stay at the hotel year after year.

"Since all of the retirement flats went up in Old Town the hotel has given the older people somewhere to meet up and have a meal."

And Mrs Bell does not think the hotel can be a success with only 10 bedrooms.

"How can it be profitable with just that amount of bedrooms. They will still have to pay the staff."

The developers say that because the hotel, which currently boasts 65 bedrooms, sits on one of the most important landmark sites in the area any changes will have to be made sympathetically.

If the plans are given the green light by the council, the Georgian frontage and internal features will be retained as part of the project The newly-refurbished hotel would provide 10 bedrooms with a new contemporary bar and restaurant But Mrs Bell said this must be stopped.

"If someone doesn't speak out then we will not be able to save the hotel," she said.

"You take part of Swindon away when you take away the Goddard.

"I love the hotel because it is traditional and historical and that is why so many people come to stay here."

She now wants as many people as possible to get in touch with her to sign a petition to take to the council.

"If people want to help me save the hotel than please get in touch with me," she said.

Anyone who wants to get involved with Mrs Bell's campaign can call 01793 345255.