THE fight for Lower Shaw Farm could go right to the wire with an Adver survey showing the decision is in the hands of 17 fence-sitting councillors.

Of the chamber of 59 councillors to vote on the future of the much-loved Swindon community facility tomorrow night, 21 have declared themselves for the sale, 18 against and 17 undecided or undeclared.

On top of those, there are three councillors who could not be contacted for the poll.

The sale camp would appear to have a slight lead, but when you add in to the mix that one of the sellers - Coun Ray Fisher - is expected to be absent from the meeting, it gets even closer and the swinging 17 will make the decision.

They are cabinet members David Wren, Steve Wakefield and Garry Perkins, Conservatives Ian Dobie, Sinead Darker, Doreen Dart, Peter Mallinson, William Morton, David Sammels, Eric Shaw, Mavis Childs, Michael Dickinson, Chris van Roon, Wayne Lawley and Michael Bray, and Mayor Mike Bawden, although he said he would not vote unless the chamber was deadlocked.

Most of the fence-sitters said they did not know enough to make a decision and were awaiting the debate.

Cabinet member for children's services, Coun Perkins, (Con, Shaw and Nine Elms) would not commit either way. "Sometimes you have to step away from emotive issues to see the bigger picture politically," he said.

"More children go to Roves Farm than ever go to Lower Shaw Farm. They have already been given a 15-month extension, so we have until 2008 to see if a solution can be reached. But seeing as the majority of people in west Swindon's houses were built on farms, they should maybe never have moved into Swindon."

Fellow cabinet member Coun Wren (Con, Moredon) said he was undecided while Coun Wakefield (Con, Toothill and Westlea), refused to give any indication of his views.

Coun Shaw (Con, Wroughton and Chiseldon) insisted he was not trying to duck the issue.

"Without trying to avoid the issue I'm still trying to find out more details," he said.

"For example, it's rented. What's it earning the chap who runs it? How many people do take advantage of it?

"I have read the letters in the Advertiser and we are going to have to talk about it more as a group."

Labour group leader Kevin Small said there was no excuse for not committing to a decision on something as important at Lower Shaw Farm.

He said he and the rest of the Labour group would be supporting the motion to save the farm from being sold.

"I cannot see how you can hide behind not making a decision," Coun Small (Western) said. "You're elected to make decisions. This is a clear decision about whether the council should realise the financial value or the value to the community."

Council leader Roderick Bluh has repeatedly said selling Lower Shaw was a "tough" decision but one that was right.

He said the farm was not providing value for taxpayer money. He said the Conservative group would be briefed ahead of the vote.

"I suspect people are undecided because they are not sure of the facts," said Coun Bluh (Con, Dorcan). "We are keeping the group fully informed."

The Adver has called on councillors to back the motion at the full council meeting tomorrow to protect Lower Shaw Farm as an educational centre.

We have also called on everyone who supports the farm to attend the meeting, which is at the Civic Offices in Euclid Street at 7pm.

Join the fight to save Lower Shaw. Visit our Hands Off Lower Shaw campaign section.