Swindon University plans to go ahead

The death of Swindon College principal Clive Brain in the Southall rail disaster last week will not disrupt plans for a new University of Swindon and Wiltshire, his colleagues said this week. Mr Brain, 57, was a board member of the University for Swindon and Wiltshire Project.

"He was committed to the development of a university for Swindon," said Swindon College vice-principal Mike Hopkins. The project board will push ahead with a new business plan, agreed days before the rail crash, which won backing from the local council. "The council is willing to consider offering council-owned land for any buildings which may be required," said Swindon Borough Council chief executive Paul Doherty.