The ruling Conservative group’s message to the Swindon electorate ahead of this year’s local elections is, essentially: let us carry on the good work.

With the party in charge at Euclid Street for most of this century so far, the group has a manifesto which is less a series of policy suggestions and promises, and more references to what it’s done already and how it wants to progress.

The Conservative’s manifesto says: “Four years ago, the Conservative Council launched the Vision, Priorities and Pledges Swindon 2030. This sets out the plan for our town over the longer term; what we are going to deliver, how we are going to improve and maintain our environment and how we are going to look after our residents, particularly the most vulnerable. Good progress is being made on achieving our agenda whilst managing the finances and assets of the council is a responsible way.”

It adds that council tax is lower than comparable authorities, “on average £200 lower” and adds: “Conservative councils cost residents less.”

Economic performance and high employment rates feature strongly - the creation of the UTC and securing funds for the Institute of Technology to be based here are hailed as successes, as are new developments such as Zurich Insurance’s new headquarters in the Kimmerfields development and the £270m North Star snow centre: “There is much more in the pipeline including new infrastructure and Homes England’s commitment to build more town centre accommodation.”

The authority’s green credentials are emphasised: “Our commitment to a low carbon economy is second to none and we are building on our successes, working on renewable energy projects including hydrogen and the plastics recycling agenda. We will meet our target of Swindon having sufficient renewable power being generated locally to power the equivalent of every home in the town.

The full list of vision, priorities and pledges is available at www.swindon.gov.uk/vision.