OXFORD and Cambridge go hand in hand in the minds of many, but if council bosses get their way we may see Swindon mentioned in the very same breath.

While there are no immediate plans to launch a world-beating university in the town, there are growing calls for Swindon to be linked in other ways - notably by a railway line.

Earlier this week, the government published its ‘connecting people’ report, setting out a strategic vision for the future of rail.

In it, they confirmed that investment would be forthcoming that would restore a direct train service from Oxford to Cambridge, cementing the link between the two great academic centres of excellence.

Writing to the Secretary of State for Transport, Chris Grayling, on Wednesday, council leader David Renard enthusiastically welcomed the announcement.

But he urged Mr Grayling to go a step further and consider whether Swindon could be included in the proposals.

“We would like you to consider how extending this investment to include the rail corridor to Swindon would be a significant boost to a wide range of government policies,” wrote Coun Renard in a letter co-signed by the cabinet members for the economy and regeneration.

He added: “As you may be aware, Swindon and Norwich are also associated with the the wider Cambridge, Milton Keynes and Oxford corridor.

“Swindon Borough Council made a formal submission to the National Infrastructure Commission with three proposals for investment in improving rail links between Oxford and Swindon that would complement the government’s policies on house building, industry, and economic development.”

The schemes that the council submitted included enhancing capacity on the Swindon to Didcot Parkway line, providing a new and higher quality commuter rail service between Swindon and Oxford via Grove, and re-building the station at Swindon.

Coun Renard said he believed the proposals would make greater use of the rail network and help open up the area east of Swindon for new homes.

He told the Sec of State that a new station would provide the opportunity for large-scale town centre brownfield house building.

!This would also boost town centre regeneration and capitalise on government investment in the electrification of the railway and in new trains,” he added.

Coun Renard requested a meeting with the Sec of State and transport officials to explore the suggestions further.