An evangelical pastor claims he can solve Swindon's drug and crime problems by using the power of God.

Pastor Andrew Colthart says his national religious group has singled out east Swindon as a place which needs help, and is setting up a church in Cavendish Square.

Having worked at Wormwood Scrubs prison and with drug addicts in Wales, Mr Colthart thinks he is well-placed to help those with problems in Swindon.

But his claims have been met with scepticism by a councillor who represents the area.

Mr Colthart said: "We are coming here to help the community especially in the east where there are lots of drugs and ex-cons.

"I belong to the church Assemblies of God and its planting team has been looking at places in the country where we could go. It realised God wanted us to go to east Swindon."

For the first couple of years the church will be based in Reuben George Hall, but it is hoping to raise enough money to build a new church next to Shaftsbury Lake. A plot of land has already been bought, although planning permission has not yet been applied for.

The grandfather-of-five is currently pastor at Immanuel Christian Centre in Waltham-stow, London, which has a congregation of 600. He and his wife Lily, 62, are now looking for accommodation in Swindon.

Mr Colthart, who has been a pastor for 37 years, has worked with prisoners at Wormwood Scrubs and the Victory Outreach Centre in Wales for drug addicts.

"I have good experience with convicts, and I have worked with drug addicts who have been delivered," he said.

"At the church in Swindon we will have people coming to talk to us including ex-drug addicts and ex-cons, who will bring a message of hope through their experiences and show that what God has done for them he can do for others."

But Swindon councillor Steve Allsopp (Lab, Parks) who lives in Park North, thought the pastor was exaggerating the problems in the area for his own ends.

He said: "I won't condemn anything that could improve the lives of individuals who may be suffering, but I would like to know what will happen when this chap leaves town. Other people will have to pick up the pieces and follow-on from his work. It is by hard work that changes happen we don't need a sideshow but proper investment of time and money."

The pastor's intervention has received a cautious response from a Swindon group helping those with drug problems.

Pauline Barnes is the project manager of Stepping Forward, based in the Parks. She said: "It all sounds very interesting. I think we would want to hear what he has to say."

From this weekend, services will be held every Sunday at 3pm in Reuben George Hall. Around 10,000 publicity leaflets are being given out in Park North and Park South the districts being particularly targeted by the church.

A free introductory evening is being held in the hall tomorrow at 7pm.