'Why are we waiting?' the people of Swindon cry. The decision on whether or not the town will be granted city status is just dragging on and on.

We had expected a decision in the New Year. It may now not be until next year.

But as the months pass and the year draws to a close, the government is danger of making itself a laughing stock on the issue.

Swindon may well not end up as the successful bidder.

But a lot of time and engergy has gone into bids up and down the country and each town vying for city status deserves to know the outcome.