Senior councillors were thrilled to hear that Swindon will be given £500,000 to £1m in early government funding.

As one of the 101 towns previously selected to make a bit for money from the £3.6bn Stronger Towns fund, the borough council was told yesterday it was in line for an early windfall for  what prime minister Boris Johnson called “shovel-ready” projects when he announced he was bringing forward £5bn of funding.

The leader of the Conservative administration David Renard said: “I am delighted Swindon will receive at least £500,000 from the Stronger Towns fund this year – ahead of schedule – enabling local leaders to accelerate plans that will transform our area and help the town to thrive as we move beyond the coronavirus pandemic.

“I welcome the prime minister’s commitment to invest in infrastructure to unite and level up the country as we come through the coronavirus pandemic.

“The £5bn to bring forward infrastructure projects of all types, from better connected, more modern high streets to new schools and roads, will help to create new jobs and opportunities across Britain, and I will be fighting to ensure our area gets its fair share.”

The cabinet member for the town centre Dale Heenan was also happy: “Everyone should welcome the extra £500,000 promised today for Swindon being one of the 101 towns identified as a priority.

“Regeneration takes time, and the last 18 months has seen a lot of the jigsaw pieces come together.

"The first next office development in over 20 years starts construction this summer, and local residents and businesses should look out for lots of announcements over the next six months, which will mean they can visibly see construction continue for the next eight to 10 years to transform our town centre.”

Coun Heenan wrote last week to Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick to urge quick decisions on  the council’s bid for £25m  from the Future High Streets fund, and what is expected to be a bid for £25m from the Stronger Towns Fud, to be submitted at the end of the month.

He added: “David Renard and I will continue to push for decisions on £50m of government investment in Swindon. The sooner the decisions happen, the sooner visible work can begin."

The council’s Towns Fund board meets today (Wednesday) at 3pm.