South Swindon MP Robert Buckland has expressed disappointment that the borough council will not be bidding to buy back Cavendish Square.

Although a price had been agreed between the council and Lytton Road Ltd – the owners of the Park South square – the cabinet member for finance Keith Williams said the pandemic had damaged the commercial viability of the square and the council would not pursue it.

He said if things changed, it could be looked at again.

Coun Curtis Flux, in a statement with Mr Buckland, said: “Robert and I are disappointed to be informed by the council that they are putting plans on hold to buy back the Square. This is due to the financial impact of the Covid pandemic and the financial viability of the task.

“We have spoken to council leader David Renard cabinet members and local residents and asked for this decision to be reviewed urgently.

“We have previously shown strong support to buy back Cavendish Square, while seeking further updates and improvements for the hub of the Parks community.

“Whilst we understand that Covid and the financial viability of these plans have affected this decision, we will be calling on the council not to make a final decision, but to keep this plan under review instead and explore this option again over the coming months.”