IT must come as a surprise to no one that almost a year and a half since the grand opening of the Steam Museum, the beleaguered attraction still finds itself in the midst of a financial crisis.

Additional costs and disappointing visitor figures have all added to the gloomy picture.

But is astonishing to note the ever growing success of the neighbouring McArthur Glen Designer Outlet Village, which is on course to top four million visitors by the end of the year.

On top of that, nearly all the shopping centre's units are now occupied with the recent arrival of outlets such as Marks and Spencer, Adidas and soon a Reebok shop.

It is fitting that city-ambitious Swindon should have one of the South West's best shopping centres.

But the crucial question remains, what is to become of the Steam Museum?

It remains the outlet village's poor relation, even though Swindon Council claims it is doing all it can to promote it, with the latest initiative including improved signposting.

The fact remains, however, that more work has to be done to improve Steam's fortunes and a closer working relationship with the outlet village looks an obvious option.

This project cannot afford to fail and new ideas and cash are needed urgently.