This man is helping the ailing Steam museum get back on track, making savings to the tune of £90,000 in less than two months.

Since John Short, head of Swindon Services, took over Steam's finances at the end of November, he has stemmed losses which were expected to reach some £650,000 by the end of the financial year in March.

Savings have been made by cutting back on electricity, gas and postage costs, while vacancies, for the general manager and a marketing assistant have not been filled.

Mr Short said: "We are making progress and have managed to reduce the overspend budget. It isn't rocket science to get more people through the doors and we are working hard to make this happen."

Future changes include moving the loss-making restaurant downstairs and turning it into a bistro, merging the information desk and souvenir shop and introducing a play area for children.

He said: "At the moment local people go once and don't go back. We need to upgrade the museum so it combines heritage with leisure facilities."

Mr Short, who took over the role from Sue Stockwell, head of lifelong learning at Swindon Council, also has ambitious long-term plans to transform Steam's beleaguered fortunes.

He is in talks with property company Carillion, which owns the site, and the McArthurGlen Outlet about bringing real steam to the museum.

The aim is to build a track linking Steam to the shopping centre so visitors can travel there by steam engine. Free parking for visitors and better signage could also lie in store.

Recent savings have been made by cutting back on basics, like electricity, gas and postage costs. Staff vacancies, including posts for the general manage and a marketing assistant, have not been filled.

The museum has also increased its revenue by hosting corporate functions, such as Christmas parties for big companies like Nationwide, Reckitt Benckiser and Allied Dunbar.

Acting manager Tim Bryan, who took over from Andrew Lovett when he resigned last March, is thrilled with the progress.

He said: "Steam is at last making headway and we hope to build on the savings this year. There is definitely cause for cautious optimism."

Mr Bryan said future cutbacks would not involve job losses for Steam's 19-strong staff. Visitor figures are also set to reach its annual target of 78,000.

This is still a far cry from the original estimates of 250,000 when the £13 million museum opened in 2000.

Mr Bryan said: "Our schools programme has been successful and we hope visitor numbers will increase this year."

The turnaround has been saluted by the Steam Task Group, formed just over a year ago in response to the museum's financial troubles.

Steam Task Group chairman councillor Nick Martin (Con, Shaw and Nine Elms) said: "It is exceptionally good news the negative trend has been reversed and Steam can now concentrate on making improvements previously beyond the budget. There is clearly a long way to go but exciting times lie ahead."

Mr Short's department was recently reported to be the most successful within Swindon Council at making savings on purchases.

vtagg@newswilts.co.uk