The Mechanics' Institute will be boarded up in the coming weeks to make sure it isn't broken into.

The old and worn-out hoarding boards will be replaced with new ones to secure the historic building. 

Swindon Borough Council says that this is a step forward in a long road to regenerating the historic building.

The council is waiting for the report into the Mechanics' Institute's condition and will then try to work with the building's owner to find a long-term revitalisation solution.

But the council warned this process will take many years because the building is privately owned.

A SBC spokesman said: "The Mechanics’ Institute is a key part of Swindon’s history and of our iconic Railway Village and we want to see it move forward in the best way possible.

"Through the Heritage Action Zone (HAZ), we are working with a number of partners including Historic England and the Mechanics' Institution Trust, Swindon on a long-term plan to bring Swindon’s Mechanics’ Institute back to life."