MARK Coote will no doubt win more supporters than opponents

with his "You have 12 weeks to save Cheltenham" campaign.

And he's certainly come up with an eye-grabbing slogan with

which to drive his petition against plans for thousands of new

homes in the area.

Newspapers are often accused of writing sensational

headlines on stories – but none of us can remember the Echo

ever going so far as to say that Cheltenham has only three

months to survive!

Mr Coote is clearly aware how big an issue housing growth is

for a town where he seeks to gain election as MP – and that his

stance will be a vote winner.

But, sensational headlines aside, the key message is one

that will strike a chord with Echo readers.

Groups like Save The Countryside and LEGLAG have wide

support – not least from writers to our letters page.

And only last night, another public meeting was held to

oppose the Swindon Village proposals.

But we also have to remember that we do need more homes.

And, despite the current problems facing housebuilders, in the

long-term they will still be around to put them up.

Which brings us to one area where Mr Coote may not quite

have it right.

His solution to the housing shortage is that smaller

villages and towns, which are "dying" as young people move

away, should be developed instead.

All our indications are that new houses will be opposed just

as strongly there.

The truth is that there is no easy answer. Government and

council planners must decide which are the "least worst"

sites.

At least Mr Coote's petition will give people in Cheltenham

another chance to show how strongly they feel.