A SEAT for the public will be placed at the front of the Swindon Museum and Art Gallery if a councillor has her way.

Coun Anne Baxter (LibDem, Eastcott) wants the £810 seat to be installed in Bath Road, Old Town.

But officials fear that it might attract vandals to the area.

The issue will be discussed by the council's South Area Panel tomorrow when it meets at Ridgeway School in Wroughton.

If the seat is installed, the cost will be taken from the panel's budget.

Members will have before them a report by council officers which notes: "In November of this year, Councillor Anne Baxter approached officers, asking for a seat to be provided outside the museum in Bath Road.

"The site is a very convenient one for elderly residents to rest at when shopping in Old Town.

"Museum staff support this idea in principle, and can appreciate the extra possibility that older people may wish to enjoy the facilities of the museum itself.

"However, about ten years ago, a seat had to be removed from the corner of the art gallery and library because it was being damaged and because there was an increase in antisocial behaviour directed at museum staff during the latter part of the day."

The meeting will begin at 7pm, and members of the public are welcome to attend.