MEMBERS of Swindon's New Mechanics' Trust have been to London to present a petition to Michael Wills and Anne Snelgrove.

The North and South Swindon Labour MPs were handed a document that calls on the Government to save the Mechanics' for future generations.

The trust have also created a petition on the Downing Street website, which asks the government to help them buy the Grade II listed building.

So far about 40 people have signed the e-petition.

"After 12 years of trying to promote the cause of Swindon's most important building, the trustees have decided the time for action has come," said Martha Parry, the trust's co-ordinator.

"All that needs to be known is known. Now the trust wants to pursue a suitable outcome for this 1854 building, which many generations have passed along to their descendants."

Martha and Dilip Dutta, one of the other nine trustees, presented a binder of papers to the MPs that make their case against development of the building.

Developer Mathew Singh has repeatedly been refused planning permission to develop the Emlyn Square site into an eight-storey hotel.

Mr Singh, who owns the site, is confident the £20m development will get the go-ahead.

He is applying for planning permission to build a 104-room hotel tower.

The Mechanics' building, which would be bolted onto it, would house a small cinema and stage, as well as conference facilities and bars and restaurants.

Martha said: "The present need for community spirit and resolution of this festering issue is undeniable.

"Local citizens recognised this fact 12 years ago when they formed the trust. Today, their continued defence of this legacy of mutual learning and local action is needed more than ever."

The petition asks the Government to consider making a compulsory purchase order to save the building.

The trust has also appealed to Swindon Council leader Rod Bluh to support their approach.

Martha said: "MPs will be able to draw ministers' attention to Swindon's plight, which could so easily become the opportunity for the future that Swindon citizens so rightly deserve."

To view the Number 10 petition, visit http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/SwindonMechanics.