A BID for lottery funding to refurbish Swindon's Arts Centre could improve life for local arts lovers and particularly film buffs.

Swindon Council is seeking £50,000 from the Regional Arts Lottery Programme as a top-up to its £665,000 refurbishment of the Arts Centre next summer.

The revamp could include a replacement for the centre's film projector, which dismayed members of the town's film society when it broke down recently.

Swindon Council has already committed itself to building a new, two-storey, glass-roofed entrance to the centre, plus a new box office, more toilets, a lift to the auditorium and an upgraded room for artists.

But the £50,000 would pay for extra fixtures and fittings, such as caf-bar furniture, dressing room lighting, storage and shelving and even baby changing equipment.

If the council is successful in its bid it should hear before June next year, when its own five-month refurbishment programme is due to start.

It will also be looking for sponsorship to pay for a £25,000 refurbishment of the seating.

Members of the council's education and culture commission approved the lottery bid on Tuesday saying it could go a long way to improving a vital asset for the town.

Liberal democrat group leader Coun Mike Evemy (Eastcott) said: "It's the heart of the Old Town community in many ways, and it's excellent that we as a council are supporting the works. If we can get any more money to make it a top class venue in Swindon we should do that."

A Friends of the Arts Centre group is being organised to give audience members a chance to provide feedback and support for the revamp, and to organise fundraising.

A first meeting of the Friends is due to be held on December 10, and anyone interested in attending should telephone Swindon 466565 for more details.

www.swindon.gov.uk