IT is the shimmering jewel at the core of Swindon's traffic network and now the Magic Roundabout is set to be catapulted to World Heritage status.

If the bid for UNESCO World Heritage Site status is successful, the infamous interchange could be ranked alongside historic gems such as the Taj Mahal and the Statue of Liberty.

The National Society for the Preservation of Highway Heritage believes the multi-ringed island is worthy of international recognition.

Used by 100,000 motorists a day, experts say it represents a bold and revolutionary advance in traffic management, which should be copied in towns and cities across the globe.

Alan Franklin-Day, chairman of NSPHH, said: "One of the qualifications of World Heritage status is that the site must be of universal value.

"The point about the Magic Roundabout is that although it may appear baffling at first sight, it does actually work.

"Congestion is a cancer that has infected, and in some cases ruined, so many of the world's great cities.

"This wonderful piece of town planning, known around the globe, is a shining example that we can solve this awful problem.

"On another level, it is a practical demonstration of how humans use reason and logic to solve chaos and disorder, something which has driven civilisations for thousands of years."

The roundabout replaced a large conventional one in 1972, and has led to a significant reduction in accidents.

It has been studied by town planners from France and Japan, and has even featured on a calendar.

Mayor Derek Benfield (Lab, Covingham and Nythe) is one of those supporting the bid.

He said: "It is something of which Swindonians are enormously proud.

"I would like to see the statue of Brunel moved and placed in the centre.

"Giving it this status would ensure it is preserved for future generations to enjoy."

If successful, the bid would be a major coup for Swindon, and a boost to tourism.

Preparations are already underway to get UNESCO the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation to recognise the town's railway past.

If successful, the Railway Village, the GWR works and the London to Bristol track would be listed by 2006.

There are currently 754 World Heritage Sites, of which 25 are in the UK, include Avebury and Stone-henge.

Book celebrates all things circular

A BOOK featuring some of Swindon's best-known roundabouts is set to hit the shelves later this year.

Kevin Beresford the Redditch printer who hit the headlines last year for his zany calendars of unusual roundabouts has just finished penning the book called Roundabouts of Great Britain. And it's packed with facts and figures as well as pictures of Swindon's shining examples, including the Magic Roundabout and the Bruce Street Bridges roundabout.

Mr Beresford admits to having a soft spot for the town.

He said: "We printed calendars of roundabouts in other towns too but Swindon came out top. The response has been absolutely brilliant. Swindon is unique the roundabouts are all interesting and many of them are 'bulls-eye' style concentric circles running round them."

The book, published by New Holland Publishers, costs £7.99 and will be in mainstream bookshops in September.

The 5,000-word book also has a section on the different type of roundabout spotter.

"There's not just one type," stressed Mr Beresford.

"There's the Technocrat Traffic Island Inspector he's likely to keep all his records on computer and use an electronic tape measure. He might also have a pedometer strapped to his leg."

Others include the Scholar Spotter, who insists on keeping faultless records.

There's even a Sporty Spotter, who jogs to roundabouts to ensure that he sees as many roundabouts as possible.

The book, which is published by New Holland Publishers, costs £7.99 and will be available from mainstream bookshops in September.

Tamash Lal