Swindon should put itself forward to be the new headquarters of Great British Railways, according to at least two senior politicians in the town.

Transport secretary Grant Shapps announced towns and cities outside London will be able to bid to be the host for the new organisation’s headquarters.

His department promised the national HQ will be outside London, “ensuring skilled jobs, investment and economic benefits are focused beyond the capital.”

It added: “The competition will recognise towns and cities with a rich railway history that are strongly linked to the network ensuring the first headquarters will take pride of place at the heart of a new era for Britain’s railways."

One of Swindon’s two Conservative MPs thinks the town would be the perfect place. 
South Swindon MP Robert Buckland tweeted: “Where better place than Swindon, birthplace of the GWR and at the heart of Brunel’s magnificent railway vision?”

The former deputy leader of Swindon Borough Council and chairman of the growing the economy overview and scrutiny committee Russell Holland is also in favour.

Coun Holland said: “I am really excited to see that Grant Shapps, the transport secretary, is soon to launch a competition about finding a new home for the Great British Railway headquarters. This is a really excellent opportunity for Swindon. 

“It was on September 13 1840 that Daniel Gooch, the newly appointed locomotive superintendent of the Great Western Railway, at just 21, wrote to Brunel to recommend Swindon as the 'principal engine establishment' for the GWR. 

 “Growing up in Swindon I remember visiting the railway works in the 80s, not long after they had been closed while at junior school.  The guides painted vivid picture about what life was like in the railway. More recently, I greatly enjoyed seeing 'Railway Town' at the Wyvern Theatre, a brilliant film which captures the spirit of Swindon’s industrial growth.

"While the railway works have gone, our fantastic Designer Outlet still preserves the railway heritage for shoppers who travel from miles around, passing other cities to experience Swindon.”

Coun Holland is so keen that Swindon enters he said he will put it on the agenda at the next economy scrutiny meeting.

He added: “To win in this competition would bring tangible economic benefits to Swindon and be a great opportunity to showcase some of our finest heritage. I’m going to put it as a key agenda item for the next committee meeting. I really hope we can get support for this.”

Swindon Borough Council has been contacted for its view on the matter.