Lydiard Park 'will not be sold off'

Swindon Borough Council is considering allowing a private or not-for-profit organisation to take over the running of Lydiard House and Park

Swindon stately home Lydiard House will not be "sold off" to a private company, according to the local authority.

But Swindon Borough Council said it is considering allowing a private or non-profit making organisation to take over the running of the house and park.

The Conservative-controlled authority said it needs to reduce the site's annual subsidy of £450,000.

However, the local Labour group is concerned it could lead to parking charges and restricted public access.

Cllr Jim Robbins said: "We don't want decisions relating to Lydiard Park to be taken out of democratic hands."

'Swindon's jewel'

The council's Garry Perkins described Lydiard as "one of Swindon's jewels" and said: "This isn't about transferring ownership of the park or selling it off.

"We want to look after what we've got and enhance it for the people who use it and love it."

The council already leases part of the park to tree-top adventure company Jungle Parc and regularly hires out the space for events.

It said it is exploring "commercial opportunities", with expressions of interest from organisations likely to be received later this year.

Proposals will be put before before ward councillors and the public in the coming months.