THE man responsible for safeguarding the future of Lydiard Park 60 years ago would be urging people to crack on with the multi-million improvement project and "stop dragging their feet."

That is according to Swindon Council leader Mike Bawden, who joined Sir Neil Cossons, the chairman of English Heritage, and other prominent figures in the town for the anniversary celebration.

In 1943 the then town clerk, David Murray John, bought the house and 47 acres of parkland for £4,500, saving the Grade I-listed building.

Due to post-war shortages, funding to revamp the park was limited but Mr Murray John ensured it was one of the first buildings of its kind to get a grant from the Historic Building Council for England in 1954.

As reported in the Evening Advertiser last month, a £4.4 million project which includes the planned restoration of a ten-acre medieval lake has been put on hold, while the Heritage Lottery Fund ponders its final decision. While it says it recognises the historical importance of the park, it has stated that the bid is too high for an immediate decision.

Now Coun Bawden has said straight-talking Mr Murray John would be disappointed that more has not been done to improve Lydiard Park since his death in 1974.

"I think he would certainly have been disappointed that we have not achieved more in the past 30 years he said," he said.

"David Murray John was a remarkable man and was always trying to do things quicker than anybody else.

"He would be telling people now to stop dragging their feet."

The project's chairman, Coun Nick Martin (Con, Shaw and Nine Elms), agreed that action has been slow but promised progress is on the way.

He said: "In the 1980s the council dragged its feet when it came to the restoration of historical buildings.

"The other classic example would be the Mechanics' Institute, which was offered to the council for just £1.

"Now we, as the present council, are keen to wind back the clock."

Denys Hodson, of the Friends of Lydiard Tregoz group, said the project is crucial if Swindon is to move forward as a town.

He said: "Swindon needs to prove its excellence and it can do that by completing projects such as Lydiard Park well. This is a great opportunity."

The Heritage Lottery Fund's verdict on the cash bid is expected by Christmas.

Kevin Shoesmith