A NEW canal through the centre of Swindon would be £60m of "dead water" believes a long-serving councillor.

The Wilts and Berks Canal Trust wants to create a new stretch of canal through the centre of town.

But Coun Stan Pajak (Lib Dem, Eastcott) believes the idea is flawed.

At a council meeting he said: "I believe it would be £60m of dead water. It won't revamp the town centre and I believe that on analysis it will fail."

The plan has the backing of council leader Rod Bluh but not yet any political party of the full council.

Labour group leader Coun Kevin Small (Western) joined the criticism. "We have to remember not to forget the people living in the centre of Swindon," he said.

"Sometimes I get the idea that the people of this town are not being brought along within the changes we are proposing.

"And while the canal sounds lovely, I'm not sure it is realistic."

It is mentioned in a draft of a long-term plan, which could shape the centre of Swindon for decades to come.

Coun Bluh (Con, Dorcan) has defended the scheme.

"I have never said the canal will happen, just that I think it should happen," he said.

He told Coun Pajak: "If you think it is dead water you haven't understood how the canal will work.

"It will be part of an overall scheme and offer huge benefits to the centre of the town. I happen to believe it is something that will do a fantastic job for Swindon."

Coun Phil Young (Con, Covingham & Nythe), cabinet member for economic development, said: "I believe the canal could be the most important element of the town centre regeneration."

The plan put to councillors also included the idea of creating concepts for each part of the town centre, including developing North Star as an education base and Old Town as a niche shopping destination.

Coun Peter Greenhalgh (Con, Freshbrook & Grange Park), cabinet member for highways, transport and strategic planning, said: "The canal is a fantastic idea but the route is being reviewed as part of the transport study. It would be remiss of anyone to start drawing a line on the map for a canal without taking into account that there are roads in the way."

Councillors voted to approve the plan, which will now go out for public consultation.