IF ever there were proof that Swindon is in a stage of constant growth and improvement, it's Priory Vale.

Truly a 21st Century neighbourhood, work began on it in 2001, following the success of its sister developments in North Swindon: St Andrew's Ridge and Abbey Meads.

The land was historically home to well-known farms, a heritage reflected in the names of individual communities within the development, such as Oakhurst and Redhouse.

Like most residential development of Swindon in recent decades, Priory Vale reflects the ongoing success of Swindon as a whole.

Although the Railway Works and a number of other old employers associated with the town have gone, Swindon's reputation as a place of dynamic work and excellent manufacturing and technological skill has never faltered.

That's why countless major companies and organisations have made their homes here over the years and continue to come in droves.

Obviously, employers need people, and people need vibrant communities in which to work and play.

Priory Vale is one such community, catering for many new Swindonians as well as people from elsewhere in the town with a hankering to live in a newer area. Priory Vale is well served when it comes to shops, having its own village centre as well as lying not far from the huge Orbital Retail Park.

Priory Vale is only a few years old, but is already a community with its own infrastructure, its own local clubs and societies and its own sense of identity.