SWINDON has been nominated as one of the worst places in the country to live by readers of a London-based magazine and website.

The Idler magazine, which has a readership of about 30,000 comes out twice a year.

Its editor is undertaking an internet survey to create a 'cr*p town map', which will be published in a book later this year. Hull topped the poll of the 50 worst places followed by Portsmouth. As yet Swindon's place in the league table has not been calculated.

Editor Dan Kieran, who is compiling the votes from www.idler.co.uk, said: "We have received several nominations for Swindon but we have not updated the list for the 50 worst towns so I don't know how far Swindon comes down the list yet."

People were asked to email the magazine and website and explain why they think a particular place is the worst place to live in the country on the grounds of its buildings, lack of facilities, lack of employment opportunities or general dilapidation.

It is not the first time Swindon has been criticised in the national press.

Guardian journalist Jonathan Glancey described the town's architecture as a 'kitsch horror' last year.

Twice rejected for city status, Swindon's first bid failed because it was said to be too materialistic and centred around its economic success.

But outgoing council leader Kevin Small (Lab, Western) is fed up with people knocking the town.

He said: "People forget how much we have to offer when compared to other areas of a similar size.

This kind of criticism is typical of people who don't know the town and probably haven't taken time to get to know it.

"I have been able to travel around the country in previous jobs and I could name 50 dumps, compared to us they are much worse.

"Preston got city status and if people knew that area they wouldn't be making those comments."

Conservative group leader Coun Mike Bawden (Con, Old Town & Lawns) said: "Swindon does have an image problem.

"If you are sitting in a train passing through the town, all you see is the railway line.

"We have to work at changing that image. If people get to know the town, they can see areas of outstanding natural beauty like the Cotswolds surround us.

"It is absolutely critical that we address the problem and we will be looking at it when we form the new administration on May 16."