THE crumbling Mechanics' Institute should be turned into an indoor skate park, according to seven-year-old Leon Perrott.

The Wroughton Infants School pupil, of Wanshot Close, is among the first to respond to new owner Mathew Singh's plea for Swindonians to come forward with suggestions on how the historic building should be used in the future.

Skateboard-mad Leon reckons the 149-year-old Grade II* listed building would be an ideal venue for the borough's skaters to convene.

He says it is a large and safe environment, and that it would save the council the headache of building other skate parks across the borough.

He said: "It would be great if the place was full of half-pipes, grind bars and ramps.

"It would be a nice, safe place for children of all ages to skate."

Many people have written in to the Evening Advertiser with their ideas for the use of the building since Mr Singh, of Forefront Estates, urged people to come forward with suggestions.

The most popular idea is to restore the building, in the heart of Swindon's Railway Village, and turn it back into a library, reading room, theatre and ballroom.

Other suggestions include turning it into an internet caf, gymnasium for local athletes, restaurant or luxury flats.

Leon's mum, Maria, said: "Leon and his friends are all mad skateboarders and we've been to other towns in the country where they have provision for skaters but there's nothing here in Swindon.

"The town is crying out for something because on every street corner there are children skating or playing on their BMX bikes.

"Instead of hanging around on busy and dangerous street corners, why not give these kids somewhere safe to go?

"It's a very historical building, but why not combine history with a modern facility?"

Last week, the Evening Advertiser revealed that Mr Singh had bought the Mechanics' Institute for an undisclosed sum.

Mr Singh, 39, said: "We would definitely like to do something for the younger people of Swindon and I will put forward Leon's idea to the architects.

"I'm really pleased that someone so young has taken the trouble to say what they would like to see that's very encouraging."