LINKS with Swindon's twin towns could be put at risk because of the problems facing Swindon Council, warns a senior council official.

Daryl Jones, economic development officer, said the row over council tax and other worries plaguing council officials are casting doubts over future trips to Saltzgitter in Germany, Torun in Poland and Ocotal in Nicaragua.

Last year four council-organised visits to Saltzgitter went ahead.

And although more are planned later this year, including a trip to Saltzgitter next week by a group of four council trainees, Mr Jones says the long-term future of such visits could be in doubt.

Mr Jones said: "The council is committed to its three twin towns and we are constantly looking at ways to strengthen the relationship.

"But it's a question of priorities and it seems that twinning is not high on the agenda."

Mr Jones says finding the time to organise visits and projects is also proving problematic.

"A lot of other councils have twinning officers who have time to concentrate on specific projects," he said.

"At Swindon Council the task is shared between four officers."

Mr Jones added: "It's certainly frustrating for officers such as myself. Our performance is measured by the number of visits that are organised.

"Unfortunately we have not been able to arrange as many as would have liked.

"For the people of Swindon these links have a lot of benefits. It's about learning new languages and understanding different cultures."

One of the ways the council is trying to keep the partnerships alive is through community groups.

But Reg Clarke, who set up the Swindon Saltzgitter Twinning Association in 1975 the same year that the agreement with German officials was signed says he has been made to feel "like the piggy in the middle."

He said: "More input from the council is needed. I am playing the role of twinning officer and that is not my job. The Germans even call me the 'engine of the partnership'."

Since the agreement was signed in September 1975 the group has helped send between 2,500 and 3,000 families over to Germany. Members are now planning a trip in May.

"A lot of people think that it's just a council jolly it definitely isn't," said Mr Clarke. "There are a lot of benefits to be had by all."

kshoesmith@newwilts.co.uk