MORE direct Government intervention looms for Swindon Council if services do not improve dramatically during the next few months.

When Swindon's LEA failed its Ofsted and was plunged into special measures, it was a stark warning of an impending way of life for the council's other service departments.

The Audit Commission has made it clear that it will be closely monitoring each service and the Government will not hesitate to step in, taking it from the council's direct control, if a marked improvement is not swiftly demonstrated.

However, Darren Mepham, the Audit Commission's relationships manager, believes the council deserves some credit for having properly identified the core problem weak, ineffective management and taking the appropriate action.

"The common thread through all the weaknesses has been a corporate breakdown," he said.

"The restructuring that's taking place is to address that very problem.

"The issue now is whether Swindon council is appointing the right people at the top.

"We are not looking for quick fixes, but a plausible, well-founded, solid vision that is sustained. We shall be keeping a close eye now on every service run by Swindon council. The new directors must be given the chance to bring about the necessary change, but we won't be giving them endless time."

Social services is the operation most under threat of being put into outside management if a turn-around is not implemented.