A COVINGHAM councillor used to Swindon’s political swamp is getting muddy for a good cause this weekend.

Dale Heenan will take on the Tough Mudder at Badminton in aid of charity Open Door and Swindon Community Libraries Trust this weekend.

He hopes to raise £1,000 towards the cost of opening a new café at Liden Library, which was handed over to the trust from the borough council.

Coun Heenan said: “One of the big projects we’ve got for 2018 is how do we sort out our community café to increase the opening hours at Liden Library. We’re working in partnership with the excellent charity Open Door.

“We’re currently raising £10,000 so we can open the café and keep it running for at least the next 12 months.

“I’ve seen first hand the good work Open Door does in the local community. They’re one of those unsung heroes it happens in the background and never really comes to the forefront. Hopefully with what we’re doing at Liden Library there’ll also be opportunities for work experience and volunteering.”

The Conservative councillor, who is due to return to the cabinet next month, said he had been in training with a personal trainer three times a week for the past couple of months.

He added of the Tough Mudder race: “It’s a really difficult assault challenge. It’s a bit different to just doing a half marathon or swim or a skydive.”

To donate, visit: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/opendoorlidenlibraryappeal.