SWINDON Services the council's environmental arm should not be second best to education and social services.

That is what Fionuala Foley (Con, Old Town and Lawns) and the council's lead member for Swindon Services will tell a public meeting tonight.

Coun Foley says she will fight hammer and tongs for every penny she can get for continued levels of service next year.

Swindon Services covers a massive area and is one council department under threat from cuts as the ruling Conservative administration battles to keep next year's council tax rise down to a minimum.

"I don't think Swindon Services should be second best to education and social services and other more high-profile departments," she said.

"It's a vitally important area and a lot of people are working incredibly hard to keep up the good work it could be considered to be a soft target compared to education and social services, but rest assured I will fight my corner for Swindon Services."

Tonight residents will have the chance to fire a volley of questions at Swindon Services director John Short and an assortment of his colleagues on everything from bin bags and Swindon's country parks to cemeteries and public toilets.

Based at Barnfield Road Depot in Moredon, Swindon Services contractors manage the council's leisure facilities, which includes the Steam railway museum, and are responsible for waste, street services like lighting, gritting, abandoned vehicles, refuse collection and public toilets.

They also look after housing repairs and improvements and run the borough's cemeteries and crematorium.

Coun Foley insisted she would fight to maintain the provision of services like the distribution of free black bins bags, which is not a statutory obligation of the council.

"I will be setting my stall out and fighting to keep things like the grass-cutting budget and the road-sweeping budget, which are both incredibly important to people," she said.

"This meeting is a great chance for people to come along, ask questions and tell us the good and bad things."

The meeting is being held in the Civic Offices in Euclid Street from 5.30pm to 6.30pm with everyone welcome to attend.

Call 01793 463000 for further details.

Giles Sheldrick