ONE of Swindon’s best-loved landmarks could in line for a facelift.

Cabinet member for the town centre, culture and heritage Dale Heenan wants money given to Swindon Borough Council by housing developers as part of their planning permission to be used on the town's country parks.

Under the proposal, the Section 106 cash would be spent at Coate Water, Lydiard Park, Stanton park, Mouldon Hill and Barbury.

And Coun Heenan says the first job will be giving the concrete diving board in Coate Water a wash and brush-up.

Shut more than 40 years ago, the board is still recognisable to all Swindonians. But it is looking rather scruffy and is dangerous to use.

Coun Heenan said: “Cabint will consider three commitments at Coate Water that would be prioritised through the Parks Improvement Strategy.

“The first is to clean and restore the iconic diving board. It was built in 1935, shut in the 1970s, and hasn't been cleaned for decades.

“Anyone in Swindon who is shown a photo of the board knows instantly that you are looking at Coate Water. As a Grade II listed structure it isn't a simple case of a pressure washer spray, but could involve lowering the water level temporarily, and erecting scaffolding.

“The diving board is a piece of Swindon's history, and we want residents to enjoy, and have pride, in our parks."

He added: “The country parks have so much potential and are critical to the health and wellbeing of local residents and families.

“We have championed them for a long time but as the member with responsibility for them since May, I wanted to see a change in approach.

“Visible improvements are already happening such as work finishing last month on resurfacing the access road into Stanton Country Park.

“I want to see an ambitious four-year strategy for how each country park can be improved, and want to give residents an opportunity to provide ideas and feedback.”

Coun Heenan will present his proposals to the cabinet at its meeting at 6pm on Wednesday, December 2.

A weblink will be activated for members of the public to follow proceedings