SHOPPING facilities in Swindon are falling behind others in the country, according to a new retail survey.

The town has slipped 20 places in the last two years to become only the 58th best centre out of the UK's 1,000 shopping centres.

But the research, carried out by Management Horizons Europe, has been shrugged off by Swindon's town centre manager, Bernie Maguire, who says it does not present a true picture.

The survey awards each shopping centre points based on which shops trade in it.

Swindon has been given 154 points which places it way behind nearby Reading, in 8th position with 278 points, and Bristol which is ranked 18th.

In 1998, at the time of the last survey, the town was in 32nd position.

But Mr Maguire says the findings do not take into account Swindon's out-of-town shopping outlets which are home to many leading retailers or the new shops which are constantly opening up.

"This survey is very much a snapshot view and not very representative. It is very hit and miss so does not really give a true picture," he said.

"Many of the shops which were probably on this survey's list to look for are at outlets such as Greenbridge. And while we many not have certain shops in the town we have others lke Discovery and Disney which have just opened.

"Swindon does have an awful lot of good shops and the town has had a lot of praise for its shopping. We have had many new shops coming into Swindon from H & M to First Sport."

Thousands braved the rain last night to take advantage of late-night shopping in the town centre. The rush coincided with the commuter period, bringing congestion to many roads leading into Swindon.