THE Lydiard Park Heritage Trust has unveiled an advisory group to ensure that they fully represent the views and interests of the community as they look to take over the park and house from the council.

The list of names brings together figures from across the town, from business and the arts and from all three political parties represented on the council.

The trust are one of two community groups to have submitted bids to take over the running of the much-loved site next year.

The process is currently paused after the other community entity, the Love Lydiard Trust, triggered a six month moratorium to give them more time to put a bid together.

Mike Bowden, chairman of the Lydiard Park Heritage Trust said: “Our bid document runs to more than 50 pages and is backed up by a business plan, financial projections and forecasts that would pass muster in any boardroom.

“But it would be very wrong to think that our bid for Lydiard House and Park is simply a matter of business and money.

“Anyone in the 700 strong audience at ‘The Friends’ public meeting earlier this year knows nothing could be further from the truth.

“Our trustees are part of the community and our bid has the overwhelming support of the community.

“We are delighted to announce yet another aspect of our community credentials - the Lydiard Park Heritage Trust Advisory Group.”

Among the figures revealed on the advisory panel are Councillors Jim Robbins (Lab), Tim Swinyard (Con) and Stan Pajak (Lib Dem) - providing representation from the three parties that make up Swindon Borough Council.

Emma Rees, trustee and director of Phoenix Enterprises, brings commercial and charity experience to the mix, while John Ball and Hannah Parry offer knowledge of the charitable sector and of community projects.

Martin Smedley, secretary of Abbey Meads Football Club, will be able to offer the perspective of the many sports clubs that use the park’s grounds.

Joining them on the group will be Matt Holland, director of Swindon’s successful Festival of Literature.

Matt has lived and worked in Swindon since 1980 and understands the central role that Lydiard Park plays in the cultural heritage of the town.

He said: “It’s a joy to take people there, and with all that it offers, beautiful walks, and runs, fabulous trees, an historic house, a great lake, and a beautiful garden, one can do so with pride.

“It’s crucial that it should be looked after and kept well.

“To this end, I was delighted to see the thorough and comprehensive proposal and business plan put forward by the Lydiard Park Heritage Trust, who, to my mind, appear to understand precisely what is needed to maintain, improve, and protect the park for the people of Swindon.

“Their ideas and plans are terrific, and are ones I am keen to support.”

The full lineup can be found at www.lydiardtrust.org.uk