SWINDON politicians have thrown their support behind the march to save Honda which will surge through the town centre on March 30.

Councillors and MPs will put politics to one side to rally the town behind the event in a bid to show the Japanese car manufacturer the effect its plant closure will have on thousands of Swindon families.

It is hoped the Adver-backed march may even persuade the company to stay here and keep the plant open.

Cabinet member for economic prosperity Coun Oliver Donachie is part of the council taskforce consulting with Honda and helping its workers to prepare for the plant’s closure in 2021.

Coun Donachie could not comment specifically on what he thought the march would achieve but was pleased to have such a major event happening in Swindon which anyone could attend.

He said: “I’m really delighted that the march’s organisers have made it clear that it’s purely a non-political event to rally round the Honda workers which I’m sure the people of Swindon are keen to do or are already doing.

“I’m also glad that the organisers are committed to hosting a peaceful event for families to enjoy in a safe environment, I hope it goes smoothly.”

Honda workers and union representatives will gather with supporters at the County Ground car park at 11am on Saturday, March 30 and set off to GWR Park for a family-friendly event with children’s activities, a brass band, speeches from mayor Junab Ali and Honda workers, and a performance from Swindon singer-songwriter Josh Kumra.

The Honda taskforce will officially decide its aims and objectives at a committee meeting held three days before the march.

Coun Maureen Penny has been put forward by Highworth Town Council to be its spokeswoman in these meetings because suppliers in the town like TS Tech will be significantly affected by the plant’s closure.

Coun Penny said: “I’m all in favour of the march and I think it’s a very good idea because it will show the need that we have to keep Honda in Swindon and in the UK, so people should definitely support it and I hope they get their way and Honda stays.

“It’s going to cause a bit of chaos on the roads, worse than the Swindon Half Marathon, but we’ll work hard to make sure that everyone is aware of how it will affect routes around the town centre.”