For a town with aspirations to be a city, Swindon's sporting facilities are modest to say the least.

That is why the sell-off of the County Ground offers a supreme opportunity.

It, together with the proposed development of the Front Garden, will release the kind of capital needed to make the wish lists of athletes, bowls players and cricketers come true.

ImagineSwindon in 10 years time hosting international events in its own indoor athletics arena, with a first-class cricket ground and modern bowls rink.

The County Ground would have disappeared from the site, replaced no doubt by houses. But just a few miles away near the M4, Swindon Town would be hosting matches in its own purpose-built stadium.

Credit must be given to our leaders at Swindon Borough Council for having the foresight to envisage this concept becoming a reality.

Now the momentum created by sporting heroes like David Hemery must be built on so that the chance is not allowed to slip.

Together with the town's 30-Year Vision, we now have an unprecedented opportunity to make the town in which we live a better place for all.