Perfect place for a meeting

12:21pm Thursday 15th May 2008

GORDON Brown and his Cabinet could be coming to Penhill for a future meeting.

This is the suggestion of Communities Secretary Hazel Blears, who thinks Government ministers need to immerse themselves in the lives and communities of the people they serve.

She said: "Just imagine if the Cabinet meeting took place at the British Legion, Swindon. There is no good reason why not."

Pat Lyfield, the treasurer of the British Legion Club, in Penhill, said: "It would scare the living daylights out of them coming round here.

"I live just across from the legion and there's always young ones hanging about - I think it'd be quite a culture shock for Gordon Brown.

"If they did decide to come I don't think we'd have any problems - we've got a big room that can fit 350 people. We have a lady that does catering and we could open the bar for them.

"We've got a massive car park and there's plenty of space for the security to keep an eye on things.

"I'd imagine we've got room for the snipers on the roof, as long as they're careful they don't fall through."

One place the Cabinet certainly wouldn't be welcome would be in the Carpenter's Arms, in South Marston, where chancellor Alistair Darling, pictured, is still barred.

Landlord Robert Feal-Martinez said he would not consider lifting the ban if the Cabinet came to town.

He said: "Absolutely not and I hope he wouldn't be welcome in any other pub in Swindon either.

"The industry has been virtually destroyed by the measures brought in by Labour.

"I'd welcome Cabinet meetings in Swindon if they were going to be open to the public but if it's just a chance for a nice day out for the MPs then I don't see the point."

South Swindon MP Anne Snelgrove said: "Hazel has been to Swindon several times and I'm constantly raising Swindon issues with her, so it's no surprise it has made a big impression.

"I think a cabinet meeting in Swindon would be a great idea and I'd be delighted to make it a reality."

The Conservative's prospective MP for North Swindon, Justin Tomlinson, said: "We would welcome an opportunity to show them the real issues facing Swindon residents that are all too often ignored."