FESTIVE plans could make the Magic Roundabout a little more magical this Yuletide.

Council leader Rod Bluh wants to put a 40-foot Christmas tree on Swindon’s most famous landmark in an effort to improve its image.

Coun Bluh said: “This is something that came out of a meeting with representatives of the local taxi drivers who said that the first thing visitors want to see when they come to Swindon is the Magic Roundabout.

“The idea of doing something with the Magic Roundabout came up a few years ago but all sorts of reasons were raised as to why it couldn’t be done and how it would distract drivers.

“But those reasons didn’t seem particularly convincing so I’ve now gone back and challenged them again.

“What we are now looking at is the size of the tree. It would have to be pretty big to make any kind of an impact.

“The figure of 40ft has been mentioned but I’m not even sure that they do Christmas trees that big.

“This is about showing the taxi drivers that we are listening to them and also about bringing a little cheer at this time of doom and gloom.”

Dan Lane, from V-Cars, said: “Whether we like it or not we are famous for the magic roundabout and a lot of visitors coming to the town do say to our drivers that they want to see it.

“The problem is that when they get there it’s a bit of an anti-climax.

“The suggestion was all about putting the magic back into the Magic Roundabout and making the most of a landmark that does sum Swindon up in people’s minds.

“Whether a Christmas Tree is the best idea I’m not sure because there is a safety element to consider.

“But something definitely needs to be done to it to bring it into the 21st century.”

Jan Leard, manager of the Swindon Tourist Information Centre said: “It’s an interesting proposal.

“I suppose it depends on how big it is and if it is actually possible.

“There’s no doubt that the Magic Roundabout is a popular landmark - we get lots of requests for memorabilia from tourists, visitors and residents.

“There are a lot of people who send them to their friends and family abroad because of that the Magic Roundabout has been all over the world.

“We sell T-shirts with ‘I survived the Magic Roundabout’ on the back, and we also have badges, key rings, fridge magnets and playing cards.”

Coun Bluh said: “I would like to hear suggestions from residents about what else we could do to promote this feature so please feel free to email me at rbluh@swindon.gov.uk or call my office on 01793 463076 or 463424.”