LEAVING arrangements for Swindon's chief council officer have been discussed.

Simon Birch, chief executive of Swindon Council, has resigned after two years.

In spite of helping to make improvements, Mr Birch decided to jump ship, saying it was time for a fresh approach.

Mr Birch denied clashes with the administration over the amount of money for services. During his reign the council pulled up from a "poor" to "weak" rating but its social services remain zero-rated.

Mr Birch, earning about £135,000-a-year, took over as acting chief executive after the resignation of Paul Doherty in 2002.

Social services director Keith Skerman is on sick leave.