BRUNEL Centre general manager Steve Fawke believes Swindon has a bright future despite national figures showing high streets up and down the country are declining.

The Local Data Company says a net 406 shops have closed in UK town centres this year, compared to 209 last year.

The organisation ascribes the decline to a combination of factors such as the growth of online shopping and the closure of chains such as Phones 4u and La Senza.

In recent months Swindon town centre has seen its Phones4u store close as well as Next and Currys moving out of town. Despite this, Steve, who oversees the Brunel, based in the town centre, does not feel Swindon is suffering.

He said: “I genuinely think these national figures are not a fair reflection of what is going on in Swindon. From the Brunel perspective we are almost fully let and we’ve just welcomed The Entertainer, which is a huge new toy shop that has performed very well since opening.

“In the coming weeks Blue Inc will also be opening. It is a national trendy menswear shop and shows that big companies are committed to Swindon.

“I also think the town centre will benefit greatly from investment that developers are putting in the area.

“For example, we’re welcoming regeneration through the Regent Circus cinema development as well as Kimmerfields.

“It is great to see that big businesses are investing in Swindon and are helping to form a clear vision for its future.”

Steve said one of the key elements to Swindon’s future was ensuring the town receives the backing of residents.

The Brunel has joined forces with Swindon Council, Forward Swindon and the Designer Outlet Centre, among other organisations in the town, to form a new marketing partnership.

“I think people have the wrong perception of Swindon at times and we are desperately trying to turn that around,” Steve said.

“It is crucial to the success of Swindon that we all work together as one voice and highlight all the positive elements in the town.”