THE new principal of Swindon College is putting a claim on the town's Brunel statue.

Jonquil Brooks would like to see the statue put up outside the college's new North Star building.

She believes that it will firmly establish a link between the college and the community.

The eight-foot tall statue, has stood in Havelock Square since 1971.

But, as we have previously reported, it will be on the move if Swindon Council's plans for the Granville Street car park come to fruition.

This will see new shops and walkways in the area between the Brunel shopping centre and Commercial Road.

At the moment the re-location has not been confirmed.

But Mrs Brooks hopes people in the town will support her request.

"As a newcomer to Swindon I am, of course, well aware of the significance of Brunel both at the national level and to the development of the Great Western Railway and Swindon," she said.

"As recently appointed principal at Swindon College I would like to put in a claim for the statue to be relocated to the College's expanded campus at North Star.

"This will mean that the College, that has its roots in the development of the rail industry in Swindon, will be fully located at North Star, which itself carries strong resonances with Brunel and the railway industry.

"The College is the very proud owners of an exact replica of the North Star engine which was built as a project by staff and students in our engineering department during the late 1970s.

"All the work associated with the model was carried out at the college.

"This model currently stands in a glass case at the entrance to the college's engineering block but it is our intention to move it to the foyer of our new buildings when they open this September.

"What then could be more appropriate that moving the Brunel statue to the front of this new college building at North Star.

"It will provide a continuing link between Brunel and North Star and provide a very imposing entrance to the railway station along North Star Avenue."

But Mrs Brooks is not the only person who wants to get their hands on Brunel.

Advertiser readers have suggested the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Centre as an ideal location, as well as the town centre, Steam Museum and railway station.