THEY are from different generations, but Jessica Bellis and Maurice Parsons both care about the future of Swindon's Steam Museum.

Jessica and Maurice are among several people who have come forward with ideas to market the museum in order to attract more visitors.

It follows a call from Swindon Council leader Mike Bawden to rename the attraction the Great Western Museum.

He said drastic action is due after it was revealed the museum would attract just half the 200,000 visitors it needs to break even.

Former railway worker Maurice spent 13 years inside the Great Western Railway works and he believes the answer for Steam is to inject some life into it.

Maurice, 79, of Salcombe Grove, Swindon, who worked in the factory in reserved occupation through the war from 1937 to 1949, said: "I've been into the museum and I thought the place was dead.

"I thought there was insufficient action or movement, and it was black and depressing.

"I also thought there was too much for people to read and I was very disappointed."

Mr Parsons, who describes himself as "a mechanical bore", reckons the Great Western Designer Village could have more references to its industrial past to help visitors recognise where they are in the former works.

And he has some more ideas to enliven the Steam museum itself.

He said: "One of the big locos could be put up on rollers which would allow its wheels to be rotated. People could put £1 in a slot and see all that was happening when the wheels turned. I think it could be done and I think it would liven the place up, though money would have to be spent, they couldn't do it on a shoestring.

"I would like to see more bits and pieces on the move and less blurb to read. I loved my work in the factory. Perhaps I could be a Steam consultant I've got a weak heart but a good memory."

Jessica Bellis, seven, is a St Mary's School pupil who visited Steam on a school trip recently, was impressed with what she saw but echoes Mr Parsons' thoughts.

Jessica, of Old Vicarage, Rodbourne Cheney, said: "I think the name of the museum should be Loco in Motion."

Her mum Karyn, 38, said: "After the school trip Jessica has been talking about the museum. I always read the Advertiser and Jessica reads it after me and saw the story about Steam. She always picks up the paper."

Another reader Bruce Jardine, of Swindon, added his ideas to the debate.

He said: "I would suggest a foot plate assimilator would be a good family attraction, allowing you to be the engine driver of the train.

"I also think there should be improved publicity and signing from Swindon bus and train stations, plus additional route signs from Swindon town centre to assist in improving customer attendance."