SWINDON Council has sprung to the defence of the controversial laptop computer project which is frustrating at least one councillor who claims the equipment is faulty.

At a training session intended the help councillors use the equipment last Friday the tutor was driven to distraction when some laptops completely crashed.

Councillor Michael Dickinson (Lib Dem, Freshbrook) said the council-employed trainer was lost for words.

WS Atkins, the contractor responsible for administering council tax and benefits in Swindon, has been given the task of distributing the laptops and training councillors.

It decided not to comment on the problems.

But despite the teething troubles, the council remains determined to launch its councillors into the realms of new technology.

Mike Lay, head of information and communications technology, said: "The high profile project is a key part of the council's e-government programme to get Swindon councillors into the information age."

And the council claims that it has so far received only one complaint about the initiative.

So far 24 councillors have received Compaq laptop computers, enabling them to work off site, send e-mails and search the council's intranet.

Mr Lay said: "At a training course on Friday evening some technical problems were experienced which were traced to incorrect network set up. The training was still able to proceed and the settings have since been fixed.

"So far we have received only one complaint about the project."

The equipment is now undergoing a final testing and will shortly be ready for collection. The council hopes, once the project is complete, it will give members much quicker access to information and enable them to respond electronically to community issues.

Although the scheme has cost taxpayers £125,000, the council believes it will save money in the long run.

Mr Lay said: "Equipping members is a key part of the programme and fundamental to improving responsiveness and reducing costs in the future."