THE future of Swindon's former Railway Museum could be secured tonight.

Community Crossroads in Faringdon Road has had many different functions during its 150 years.

For the last two and a half years it has been home to the New Mechanics' Institution Trust and a range of cultural activities.

A Swindon Council cabinet meeting is expected to decide whether the trust will be allowed to rent office space to other community groups.

"This would provide the income necessary to employ a manager, and put the building on a secure footing," said Martha Parry, the trust's co-ordinator.

But the decision is due to be made behind closed doors, and Martha Parry, the trust's co-ordinator, thinks it should be discussed openly.

She said: "It's annoying. This is private and confidential. It should be out in the public domain.

"This wonderful space, at a central location, has been an ideal premises from which to showcase the enthusiasm and vitality of Swindon people, especially the young.

"It would be a dreadful waste to break this building up and turn it into flats or offices.

"It is one of the few remaining local assets with a space large enough for the community to come together, especially seeing that the future of the Mechanics' Institute is so uncertain.

"The Community Crossroads can give the people of Swindon a shared sense of place and cultural identity." Recent events have included art exhibitions, a volunteers' fair and a beer festival. A new stage has been constructed for the Swindon Festival of Literature, when the building will host seven events, including an appearance by Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis.

The building has had a variety of different uses. In 1869 it was converted into a Wesleyan Methodist Church and then spent 40 years as the railway museum.

Its current uses include activity evenings for young people and regular juggling classes, which have attracted up to 60 people at a time.

Mrs Parry added: "We are saving the council the cost of heating et cetera, while serving the wider community.

"All we need to secure the long-term viability of the project is the council's permission to hire office space in the former gallery space upstairs to other community, cultural organisations."

The trust intends to approach funders to help upgrade the premises, and is already making plans to celebrate Brunel's bi-centenary next year.

A council spokesman said it was usual practice for such matters to be decided in closed meetings.

"Most agenda items concerning contracts are dealt with in the private and confidential section of the meeting," he said.

Dave Andrew