LYDIARD Park is set to be returned to its former Georgian grandeur as part of a £5.5 million project.

Swindon Borough Council is hoping to turn the park into a major regional tourist attraction with the help of £3.8 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The project would involve restoring features like an 18th century walled vegetable garden and a dammed lake which collapsed in 1911.

There are also plans to create a tea room, classroom and public toilets in the 18th century stable block and undertake extensive landscaping and conservation work throughout the park.

Other aspects of the bid include the recreation of "home circuit", an attractive footpath approach to the house, and the creation of family cycle route.

Swindon Council heritage manager Robert Dickinson said: "It's a very good site but we can make it better by going back and recreating the views and landscapes that were originally there."

Swindon Council is initially proposing to apply for £390,000 of Stage One funding from the Lottery.

Together with £70,000 from the council and £70,000 from business this would pay for a year of detailed feasibility work.