SCIENTISTS have found that Swindon produces 10 times more pollution than it can cope with.

Researchers at the University of Bath have warned that the size of the earth would need to double if the whole planet polluted as much as the town.

The surrounding Wiltshire countryside only produces double the amount of pollution that is sustainable.

Professor Geoffrey Hammond, of Bath University, said: "The research shows we need to reduce our consumption, particularly energy, and tackle transport."

The study, which examined Swindon and the surrounding rural landscape, has appeared in the November edition of the Landscape and Urban Planning journal.

"We wanted to look at the environmental impact of the two areas," said Professor Hammond.

"We also wanted to set a baseline to see if it is possible to reduce the environmental footprint."

He said the amount of energy consumed in Swindon was particularly worrying.

"In the long term, the planet will have to come into equilibrium with the resources it consumes," he said.

"That particularly means we need to cut back on fossil fuels."

Adrian Reid, from Swindon Climate Action Network, said: "Every town has a problem with energy consumption because of our lifestyles. It is a problem for the whole western world.

"Swindon is a Government-designated growth area. Efforts must be made to reduce the per capita energy use.

"A quarter of all energy used is consumed by transport.

"Depending on motorised transport won't be an option in the future."

Swindon Council has promised to thwart the town's contribution to climate change and make sure it develops in a sustainable way.

The Swindon Strategic Partnership's Climate Change Action Plan sets out the council's efforts.

Professor Hammond said that he was optimistic about the town's ability to cut back on pollution if the council carries out the plan.

But he said the town's incessant growth would not make it easy.

"If the population grows, then the total environmental footprint will increase accordingly," said Professor Hammond.

However, people in Swindon do not cause more environmental harm than their rural neighbours. Residents' average environmental footprint in both areas is roughly the same.

Professor Hammond attributes this to some people in the town living quite modestly without cars.