A REPORT by National Archives into the Wiltshire and Swindon Record Office has applauded plans to build a new facility.

Wiltshire County Council and Swindon Borough Council want to build a new record office on the cattle market site off Cocklebury Road in Chippenham.

National Archives has now given the thumbs up to the efforts of the local authorities for the plans to create a new record office and has wished them luck with the lottery bid.

In the report the inspector said: "I have been continually impressed by the substantial commitment of resources and enthusiasm which council authorities have shown to the plan to create a new record office for Wiltshire and Swindon, and I share your hopes for the success of your imminent funding bid."

The report will be presented to the county council's cabinet tomorrow.

National Archives acknowledged that the present facilities did not meet current standards.

The report said: "There are aspects of the service and building which continue to fall well short of the guidelines laid out in the standards used by the National Archives."

The body sees the new record office as the only long-term solution.

"We welcome the fact that a Heritage Lottery Fund bid for new accommodation has been submitted and hope that it is successful as the only long-term solution for the problems outlined," the inspector said.

He also praised the work of staff at the record office.

"I have also been pleased to hear about the work which you have taken forward despite the restraints of your premises, such as the innovative Wiltshire Wills project and Window on Wiltshire," he said.

County council chief executive, Dr Keith Robinson, said: "I am pleased that National Archives have backed our plans to build a new record office and have recognised the hard work that our staff, and staff from Swindon Borough Council have put into the project.

"We recognise the shortcomings of the current facility and agree wholeheartedly that our plans for the new building represents the only real option to provide the very best facilities that local people deserve."

National Archives was launched in April 2003, and brings together two organisations, the Public Record Office and the Historical Manuscripts Commission.

It is a national resource for anyone interested in, or with responsibility for, documents relating to British history.

The report follows an inspection by the Historical Manuscripts Commission and by the Public Records Office.