THE former railway museum in Swindon's Faringdon Road is a wonderful structure, one of the town's few old buildings with real character.

Another is the Mechanics Institute, which has become a crumbling mess as authorities argue about its future.

Both buildings are irreplaceable examples of railway architecture. The former museum was built in 1851 as a lodging house for workers. The Institute was a co-operative building where workers met, socialised and were cared for.

We welcome today's development for the former railway museum.

Clearly, in an ideal world, the building would be kept in public ownership and used to serve the people of Swindon. Ideas put forward in the past include another museum, art gallery or even the site of a new central library.

But Swindon Council's decision to move forward by putting it out to tender is a correct step because the state of the Mechanics Institute illustrates what happens when a building is left to the elements.

The council has been realistic in seeking new owners who can take it forward. It must now look at its options and choose a scheme that best suits the town.

One thing is for sure - whatever the outcome, the old railway museum must once again stand proud as one of Swindon's grandest buildings.