THREE of the five non-executive directors of Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust have resigned as the trust attempts to reach agreement with Swindon Primary Care Trust to take over the running of it.

The resignations of Chris Wheeler and Ken Morrison were said to be related to concerns about Swindon PCT taking over, while the third non-executive director, Judy Seager, has resigned due to a conflict of interests in her role as a county councillor with responsibility for adult care services.

The resignations come as negotiations between Kennet and North Wiltshire PCT and Swindon PCT over what is called the franchising arrangements have not been resolved.

Swindon PCT is due to take over on Sunday but Stephen Golledge, who has been joint acting chief executive since October, indicated that he could still be in charge next week.

The resignations of Mr Wheeler and Mrs Seager were made public by trust chairman Tim Boucher at a board meeting on Tuesday in Devizes. Mr Boucher said of Mr Wheeler's resignation: "I have had a lot of discussion with Chris. He has had difficulty in supporting the proposals and he has decided to stand down."

Mrs Seager, who is deputy leader of Wiltshire County Council, said her resignation was not related to Swindon PCT taking over the trust.

She said: "I felt it was better to represent the council's interests from outside the PCT although I will continue to work on health and social care."

Mr Morrison, who was vice-chairman of the trust, was not at the meeting and afterwards he confirmed he had resigned.

He said: "I resigned primarily for personal reasons but I have difficulty with the franchising arrangements."

He would not explain what his concerns were.

The trust has been without a permanent chief executive since September when Barbara Smith resigned.

Mr Golledge and Mike Theelke, senior directors at West Gloucestershire Primary Care Trust, have been joint acting chief executive and were expected to finish on Saturday when Swindon PCT chief executive Jan Stubbings was due to take over.

Mr Golledge said: "It is unlikely that a February 1 start date is achievable. I will not abandon the PCT if the arrangements are not achieved by February 1."