The Goan population of Swindon, many of whom are Portuguese citizens, were able to express their gratitude to that country’s Consul General to the UK.

Luis Leandro da Silva made a visit to Swindon, his first, and the civic offices in Euclid Street where a number of the London consulate’s staff had come to advise and help Portugues citizens with essential documentation: issuing visas, renewing passports and national identity cards, registering births and the like.

He said: ”We have a regular consular presence in Swindon now. We made three visits last year and three this and we will continue to make regular visits.

“It saves a lot of people the time and travel to come up to London to do what’s necessary.”

And the relationship with Swindon, he added, was very important: “Since we started talking about coming here, we’ve worked very well with Swindon Borough Council, and councillors from the Goan and Portuguese community.

“We make a consular presence in several places in the UK where there are populations of our citizens, but Swindon is one of the most important, and we hope to keep a close relationship with the council.”

Mr da Silva was presented a bouquet as thanks for his consulate’s work in Swindon by former councillor Lourenco Fernandes and Councillor Anabelle Pegado.