THE town is set to mark 100 years since the start of World War One with the creation of two centenary gardens in areas of remembrance.

Radnor Street Cemetery and Kingsdown Crematorium are to become designated areas where people can pay their respects to those who died in the Great War.

Centenary gardens are the idea of the Royal British Legion, which aims to have at least one in every local authority area.

The two sites in Swindon have been chosen because they are a focal point for people when they go to pay their respects.

The move, which has received support from councillors of all parties, was welcomed by war historian Mark Sutton.

He said: “I think they are perfect locations and am thrilled they have been chosen.

“Radnor Street alone has 104 war graves, so it is a natural place of remembrance.

“People are naturally drawn to Radnor Street and Kingsdown when they look to pay their respects. It makes sense to turn them into centenary gardens.

“We are always trying to encourage people to go down to the cemetery as you can learn a lot about Swindon’s history.

“I don’t think a lot of people living around them realise that.This is great news and hopefully it will encourage more people to come down and have a look.

“We welcome anyone who wants to come, not only during the period of remembrance but any time of year.

“We are happy to open up the chapel or give tours so people can find out a bit more.”

The Royal British Legion wants the gardens to become a living legacy for those who fought and died in the World War One as part of its centenary commemorations.

The plans are part of the council’s commitment to commemorating the anniversary after a fund was set up to maintain war graves in the borough for the next four years.

To create the centenary gardens, a deed of dedication will need to be completed which will protect both the cemetery and crematorium permanently.

Coun Brian Ford (Con, Wroughton and Wichelstowe), the cabinet member for Streetsmart, said: “These two locations have been chosen because they are the most obvious places for remembrance.

“They contain a number of graves of personnel from Swindon who fought in the war and this is being done to honour them.”