ONE of the Adver’s front page stories this week 15 years ago announced a grand plan to turn the centre of Swindon into a perpetual cultural, shopping and dining zone.

Sadly, the global economic downturn lurking four years or so in the future would throw a spanner in the works.

In Regent Street, local television personality and future campaigner for Lydiard Park Gina Akers opened a beauty salon.

Cat lovers gathered at the Oasis Leisure Centre for an important competition, and Nationwide staff tackled an unusual world record in aid of charity.