THE leader of Swindon Council today admitted the authority was drinking in the last chance saloon.

Kevin Small (Lab, Western) said that only through co-operation by all three political parties would Swindon Council avoid intervention by the Government.

Coun Small, the council's third leader in less than six months, spoke after yesterday's showdown meeting with audit office officials, who presented him with the highly critical draft corporate performance assessment report.

This contains 11 key recommendations, which include establishing clear and prioritised objectives, strengthening senior management, taking robust financial decisions and ensuring co-operation between all political groups.

The council will have to show that steps have been taken to address the problems before the report is published in December, or face being placed under special measures.

It will now produce a recovery plan addressing individual concerns.

Coun Small said: "The issues raised we can tackle if not, we don't deserve a second chance and probably will not get one.

"There are a lot of areas of concern within the report these are what we need to address in the next few months if we are to take Swindon forward.

"I would be surprised if the Government does look for intervention. We are making the right moves to solve Swindon's problems by Swindon people, but we are looking for a little advice and assistance.

"If the Government or other council can offer any assistance we will take on board what they say."

He stressed that education and social services remain the council's two main priorities.

He also said that cutting the number of senior managers from 10 to five when the council became a unitary authority in 1997 had ultimately weakened its position.

"The issues that have led to some of our problems were decisions, which at the time were made in good faith," he said.

"Progress is being made and a lot of the problems have been turned around.

"The report is not good reading, but the issues that have been raised can be resolved if all three parties are prepared to work together.

"It's not rocket science. It will work if we can establish a senior management team with the depth to take this council forward."