SWIMMERS and users of Dial A Ride will find out later this month if they will be at the sharp end of Swindon Council's cost-cutting axe.

At the meeting last night, cabinet members viewed a nine-page document detailing the outcome of a month-long public consultation.

It seems likely that next year's council tax hike will be set at 4.8 per cent but savings have to be made.

Under controversial plans, the Heath Hydro would be closed to casual swimmers and funding given to Dial A Ride would be slashed.

As highlighted in the Advertiser, both proposals have been met with scorn.

The council received two petitions in relation to the Health Hydro.

And most people who took part in our recent phone poll thought a 4.8 per cent was excessive.

More than three quarters of readers said that they did not welcome the planned rises.

Jo Osorio, director of Age Concern Swindon, pictured, was at the meeting.

Afterwards, he said pensioners would be worst hit.

"The increase will have a major impact on the pockets of older people who rely on small increases in the retirement pension."

All 59 members of the council will get to vote on which services to scrap or reduce on February 20.