Discussions are taking place that could decide the future of Swindon's Lydiard Park and House. The council's inviting formal bids from organisations wanting to run the attraction, as it tries to cut the amount it pays for it. An extension to the bidding's likely to be put in place to allow the charity Friends of Lydiard Park to put in their bid to set up a charitable trust. Chairman Mike Bowden is confident the Friends have the answer, "We are the solution to their financial problems, we are the popular bid with the people of Swindon, and any money that we make by way of profit - and we will make profit - will be reinvested in the park, and not be distributed to external private shareholders." Cllr Garry Perkins, Swindon Borough Council's Cabinet Member responsible for Lydiard, says, "There has been a huge amount of interest in the future of Lydiard Park and understandably so because it is close to many people's hearts. "We had a very good debate in the Council Chamber recently and I am pleased to recommend to my cabinet colleagues an extension of the bidding process to enable the Friends of Lydiard enough time to put together their proposal. "It was encouraging to see a range of expressions of interest and we now look forward to receiving formal bids which will secure a sustainable future for Lydiard and investment in the park so everyone can continue to enjoy it for years to come."