NORTH Swindon MP Michael Wills will learn later today about ambitious plans to restore Lydiard House when he visits the site.
The Swindon Corporation's legendary town clerk, David Murray John, bought the historic building almost 60 years ago for £4,500 and in the face of a world war, a national housing crisis and post-war rationing, restored it.
Mr Wills said: "This foresight has left Swindon with a site of immense quality, beauty and rich history.
"The demands of a quarter of a million visitors each year and the state of some of the landscape means that much of the site is again in need of restoration if it is to be preserved for another generation."
Lydiard Park has made a bid for £5 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund and it has already been supported by £70,000 from Swindon Council and £110,000 from Old Town company Innogy.
"I will be meeting staff at Lydiard House to discuss their bid and find out how I might be able to support their work," added Mr Wills.
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