THE Swindon Disease Memorial Garden is to be officially opened by mayor Stan Pajak next month.

Tuesday, April 8, has been chosen as the date for the ceremony at Queen's Park where the garden has been created as a permanent memorial to those who have died of mesothelioma.

The asbestos-related cancer is referred to as the Swindon Disease because of the swathe it has cut through former Railway Works staff.

Companies and individuals raised £12,000 toward the cost following an Evening Advertiser appeal, and Swindon Council also made a substantial but undisclosed contribution. Such was the strength of feeling in the town that the money was raised within weeks of the campaign's launch on March 25 last year.

Gardeners from Swindon Services have been working hard all year to transform an area of the park into a place of contemplation for the loved ones of the dead.

The memorial, near the Drove Road park entrance, is an attractive 'Japanese-style' garden with year-round planting to ensure a splash of colour for all seasons.

A pergola with seating has been provided for people wishing to contemplate the memorial or enjoy the tranquillity of the garden.

The stone memorial centrepiece is engraved with lines from William Shakespeare's 30th sonnet.

The inscription reads: "But if the while I think on thee, dear friend, All losses are restored, and sorrows end."

Coun Maureen Dilley, the council's lead member for Swindon Services, said the town's community had united behind the project. She said: "Everyone dug deep to fund a memorial of which we can all be extremely proud."

Swindon Services director John Short said: "There has been a tremendous amount of interest in this project and we've been delighted with the response that we've had from visitors to the park.

The opening ceremony will be performed at 2pm on the day.