The Messenger pub in Covingham is seeking planning permission to build a beer garden.

It would feature a raised wooden decking area, heaters, lighting, umbrellas and speakers.

The pub in Covingham Square, formerly the Coving-ham Hen, currently has no facilities for drinkers to sit outside.

"We want to give customers the opportunity to bask in the wonderful summer of Swindon," said landlord Tim Ayling.

The proposal for a beer garden is opposed by Covingham parish council, which has objected on the grounds of noise nuisance to neighbours.

Since the re-opening, the police have been called to the pub on a couple of occasions.

But Mr Ayling said: "It's going to be a controlled area and the behaviour we expect outside will be the same as we expect inside."

Anybody misbehaving or being loud would be ejected immediately.

"I want people to be comfortable and happy to sit out there, he added.

"It will be an accessible area for everybody and it wouldn't make business sense for me to have an unruly drinking area out there."

Swindon's planning committee will decide whether to give their blessing to the proposal at a meeting tomorrow at the Civic Offices in Euclid Street, beginning at 7pm.