COUNCIL chiefs have been told they must start preparing to deal with the effects of global warming.

Swindon Council was warned it would have to deal with increasing weather related problems and should take steps to "protect major assets".

Environment minister Elliot Morley said Swindon, like all local authorities, must start preparing for the future.

"This is an important issue on which we need leadership from the highest level. It is vital that chief executives realise how their councils could be affected and that staff know how to act to minimise the risk to council assets and services," Coun Morley said.

"There are also actions which can be taken to cut back emissions at a local level to help us to meet our national and international targets," he said.

Local authorities have been urged to take into account everything from transport to house building to the energy efficiency of public buildings.

Council leader Mike Bawden (Con, Old Town and Lawns) said: "Everybody has got to play their part in reducing global warming.

But I'd like to ask if the Government is going to make money available to local authorities to help meet the problem head on or is this yet another example of council's having to meet the cost," Coun Bawden said.