SERIOUS questions have been raised over the future of Lydiard after a private company suggested they were ready to “come to the rescue” of the crisis-hit park.

Twigmarket, the company which runs the Broome Manor golf complex, was beaten in last year’s bid to take over the running of Lydiard House and Park by the Lydiard Park Heritage Trust, before the collapse of the deal between the trust and the council in February.

Since then, the council have repeatedly given assurances that the house and park will not be handed over to the private sector.

However, in a Twitter exchange, Jeremy Sturgess, chairman of Twigmarket Ltd, said the company was “very happy to discuss ways they could be a white knight to the rescue if cross party support is forthcoming”.

Shocked by Mr Sturgess’ suggestion, members of the trust accused Twigmarket of strategic manoeuvrings with the eventual hope of being in a position to take over the running of the park.

Mike Bowden, chairman of the trust, said: “We are alarmed to hear that Twigmarket have again reared their head in relation to Lydiard. We call on the council to confirm once and for all that they will not transfer control of Lydiard to any private sector organisation.”

Neil Hopkins, Labour’s Lydiard and Freshbrook ward candidate, also said he was “deeply concerned”.

“If Lydiard is left in the hands of a Tory administration, it will inevitably fall into private sector hands whether or not that is what SBC currently intend,” he said.

But councillor Keith Williams, the cabinet member responsible for Lydiard Park and House, made the council’s position clear.

He said: “I would like to thank Twigmarket for its continued interest but our current position is that Swindon Borough Council will remain solely in ownership and control of Lydiard House and Park.”

Seeing his suggestion had little support, Mr Sturgess conceded it was a “non-starter”.