THOUSANDS of government jobs could be coming to Swindon within the next five years.

The town is among the favourites to attract a share of 20,000 top civil service posts, which are being relocated from London to the regions in a drive to save money.

A survey assessing the suitability of different towns has revealed that Swindon ranks high because of its educated population, close proximity to London and ability to recruit and retain workers.

Dr Angus McIntosh, who is heading the research, said: "The Government is looking at towns where they might locate and Swindon is one of them. The population is fairly well educated, people could still live and work there and be able to travel to London and back comfortably in a day.

"It could create a number of jobs because although a department might downsize in London, it might increase in the regions. There definitely could be a government department coming to Swindon."

According to preliminary research Swindon would be particularly good at housing advisors and scientific experts who could live and work in the town, but travel to London to brief ministers.

And Swindon is already home to English Heritage, six government research councils and the National Trust, which will eventually move from London.

Swindon Council leader Mike Bawden (Con, Old Town and Lawn) said: "Should the Government be interested in coming here, then we would be only too delighted to have them.

"Swindon is the commercial gateway to the South West and being a successful authority is rather like being a successful football team success breeds success and we will leave no stone uncovered in trying to attract new investment into the Swindon economy."

The Government has already started to shift jobs into the regions with the relocation of the Ministry of Defence procurement agency to Abbey Wood in Bristol and the Meteorological Office to Exeter.

Derek Benfield (Lab, Covingham and Nythe) said: "I welcome this news it's wonderful, but I just hope these top civil servants live here and contribute to the economy rather than taking their hard earned money elsewhere."

In total 25 towns and cities are being assessed for their suitability to house the Government's scientific, medical, technical, IT, human resources and finance operations. A decision will be made around April. Exeter Northampton and Plymouth are also frontrunners.

Liberal Democrat leader Mike Evemy (Eastcott) said: "I'm sure that it would be good for the town and provide people with employment opportunities."

Giles Sheldrick