A COMMUNITY bid for Lydiard Park and House looks to be just days away with a formal document expected to be submitted to Swindon Borough Council next week.

The Lydiard Park Heritage Trust met earlier this week to finalise a comprehensive bid document which they believe will set out a compelling and sustainable future for the site.

The Adver understands that it will be formally presented to Swindon Borough Council in the coming week.

The announcement comes as the Trust reveals the team assembled to lead the on the bidding process.

Chairman, Mike Bowden, said: "We are very fortunate indeed to have a group of trustees with such a broad range of experience as well as the commitment and tenacity to see this bid through to a successful conclusion.

“Swindon Borough Council have made it clear that due to financial constraints they are no longer able or willing to manage and run Lydiard House and Park so as responsible local people we have stepped forward to take on that role on behalf of the people of Swindon.

“We are in discussions with a number of people including Lydiard staff and members of various local organisations – particularly schools, charities community groups and businesses – with a view to appointing additional trustees over the summer.”

The trustees will be led by Mike Bowden himself, he will hold the role of Chairman and hopes to bring his experience as a Managing Director of a former FTSE 100 company to bear.

He will be assisted by Per-Axel Warensjo in the position of Vice Chairman.

Mr Warensjo has previously worked in the technology sector and is currently the Chief Financial Officer of Swindon Speedway and the Chairman of Wanborough Parish Council.

They are joined by Sarah Finch-Crisp, a former Head of Heritage at Swindon Borough Council as well as Gary Bond, who oversaw the redevelopment of the Swindon Railway Works in his role as Managing Director at McArthur Glen.

Community figures Daniel Rose and Kevin Fisher will also join the inaugural group of trustees – Mr Rose was previously the Chairman of Swindon Youth Partnership and has been involved in efforts to save the Mechanics’ Institution.

Mr Fisher is the Chairman of the Shaw Residents’ Association.

Richard Howroyd, the current Head of Strategic Procurement and Commissioning at Bath and North East Somerset Council, rounds off the team.

The bidding process for Lydiard Park is currently in a six week pause period where no deal can be made – this is designed to allow community bids to express an interest in taking on the running of the park and house.

Any expression of interest from a community group during that time will trigger a further six month moratorium in the process.

It is understood that a second community bid, from a staff led consortium, is being explored and could be unveiled in the near future.