CAMPAIGNERS opposing plans to build an eco-town at Weston-on-the-Green took their protest to Parliament today.

Thousands of protesters held up a number of banners and placards emblazoned with slogans, including "Stop the eco-town" and "Eco scam".

The aim was raise their opposition to Government Housing Minister Caroline Flint.

Members of the Weston Front - a campaign group set up by Weston-on-the-Green residents Tony Henman and Norman Machin to fight plans to build a 15,000-home eco-town dubbed Weston Otmoor - headed to Westminster.

They joined forces with other eco-town campaign groups from across the country.

Mr Henman said: "It was hectic, but went very well. The turnout was good, I would say numbers were in the thousands.

"Caroline Flint has always said so-called eco-towns would not be built on Green Belt, so Weston Otmoor fails her own criteria.

"The proposal for Weston Otmoor is a clear example of Government policy that has not been thought through in reality."

Developer Parkridge plans to build on 800 acres of farmland close to the A34/M40 junction It launched its own consultation last week.

A number of roadshows are being held across the county until consultation ends on July 18. Weston Otmoor is one of 15 eco-towns already on the Government's shortlist. The list will be narrowed to 10 in October.

A number of high-profile figures have added their support to protests against the schemes, with actors Dame Judi Dench and John Nettles and author Jilly Cooper all opposing the development of Middle Quinton, near Stratford-upon-Avon.

But housing minister Caroline Flint said those who could "shout loudest" should not dominate the debate - and produced research showing more voters in favour of eco-towns than against.

She added: "Eco-towns are a new concept in England and we know that they invoke strong opinions. Thats why the consultation process is so important.

"However, our initial research among the general public shows clear support in favour of eco-towns."