TWO senior politicians emerged from the Westminster bubble today to pay a special visit to Swindon.

Housing minister Dominic Raab met with council leader David Renard to discuss various housing projects taking place across the town, and shadow secretary of state for transport Andy McDonald spoke to Labour members and commuters about ever-rising rail costs.

Middlesbrough MP Mr McDonald said: “We are here as part of the nation-wide launch of Labour’s local election campaign and as the shadow secretary of state for transport I have a particular interest in rail and how it impacts upon people in towns such as Swindon.”

He said that rail fares have gone up three times faster than wages since 2010, something he described as “a huge inhibitor” for commuters.

He called for the railways to be brought back under public ownership when franchises run their course.

“We have a very high-cost, complex, fragmented railway system and if we address that we can start to make it much better and within people’s reach.

We should, he said, “bring the services back under public ownership, cutting out the expensive franchise system that simply doesn’t work”.

Over in the blue corner, housing minister Dominic Raab was touring the town, catching a glimpse of how the Conservatives’ vision for Swindon is coming to fruition.

The minister and MP for Esher and Walton was taken to Middle Wichel, which will soon boast up to 2,700 homes and flats, a pub and other amenities.

The visit also included Sussex Square, where the council has provided new, modern affordable homes, which have contributed significantly to the regeneration of the local area. He also saw the houses currently being built in Euclid Street.

Mr Raab said: “I’ve come here to support this ambitious council and its strong leadership. It has been fantastic to have been able to visit Swindon and take a look at the huge strides the council is making in terms of development.

“There are some real positives for people’s quality of life. It’s not just the homes going up in Wichelstowe, but a new school and a pub - things that people will benefit from.”