Otter statue could be centrepiece of new Swindon village

Otters could feature on a statue in the new village centre

A statue of a family of otters could become the focal point of a new village on the edge of Swindon.

Redlands Village will be built on a low-lying, marshy area and feature a public square at its centre.

As the area of the village is crisscrossed by waterways, the developers have picked otters as the central theme of the village centre.

The statue, according to developers, would celebrate "sustainability, wildlife habitats, and biodiversity".

Bellway Homes and Vistry Homes added: "The reappearance of otters as key marker species in local waterways shows that conservation efforts are working.

"The sculpture will showcase the playful nature of otters and create a beautiful and enjoyable focal point for the community."

'Link green spaces'

And the sculpture will not just celebrate wildlife, it could actually do some good for it.

Sited near a children's play area and next to a pedestrian walkway from the village green to the square, the sculpture, which might feature two adult otters and cubs, could be on a steel plinth which would also be a bug hotel, full of materials offering a home to insects and other small creatures.

The planning application added: "The concept is to create a connected network area highlighting local flora and fauna, to provide context to sculpture, encourage active use of the space and link green spaces and play areas together."