GREEN spaces abound around Swindon and are a constant source of local pride for residents.

The historic grounds of Lydiard Park and the country park at Coate Water are two of the town’s most popular attractions, ranking at numbers four and six respectively on Trip Advisor’s top 40 things to do in Swindon.

Brass bands and bowls clubs enjoy the Victorian splendour of the Town Gardens, which also hosts a major concert during the Old Town Festival.

Rick Summers from Old Town is happy to live within walking distance of such lovely environs. He said: “We are lucky to have so much green space in Swindon, they're great places to take the children.

"I love how many acres of open greenery are in West Swindon, I think the Town Gardens are laid out, I like that Lawns Park is largely wild and untouched, and there's an avenue of trees hidden away at the back of Coate Water that is really lovely.

"It's great that they are used for popular events that attract big crowds, but it's also nice when they're quiet and you can have a relaxing walk away from the noisy hustle and bustle of the traffic."

Chris Watts, chairman of South Swindon Parish Council, said: “Imagine Swindon without these parks, it doesn’t even bear thinking about, it would be a shadow of itself.

“Green parks and open spaces play an incredibly important part in people’s lives. They are vital for maintaining a good balance between work and leisure.

“The strength of feeling shown by Park South residents about removing Oldlands Walk from the borough’s list of possible housing development sites demonstrates how important green spaces are to them.

“I’m a keen walker and runner, so I use Queen’s Park and the Town Gardens on a regular basis.

“We’re working on getting the lease for the Town Gardens transferred over to the parish council so we can invest more money into things like the restoring the Old Town Bowl and the listed gates by Quarry Road.”

Is there something you love about Swindon that you want to shout about? Call 01793 501734 or send an email with your phone number to newsdesk@swindonadvertiser.co.uk