PART of Old Town's history has been restored after an absence of 82 years.

The previous gates to the Lawns were last seen in 1908.

That was when they were removed on Government orders to be melted down and made into armaments.

Their replacement came the day after a £350 million, 30-year plan to regenerate key areas of the town was announced.

The new gates, complete with stone posts, have been installed at a cost of £20,000 by Swindon Council.

As he performed the opening ceremony, mayor, Arthur Archer said : "It is a pleasure and a real honour to be invited here to declare these gates open today.

"Swindon Borough Council has replaced them , and it is part of the work in the regeneration of Old Town. It will fit in nicely with the long-term 30-year vision of the regeneration of Swindon."

For Coun Mike Bawden (Con, Old Town and Lawns), the new gates are evidence of what he believes is an escalating process of regeneration.