OUTSIDE inspectors think Swindon Council is getting better.

Cabinet members were last night shown a detailed progress report written by external auditors.

It showed that in 2004/05 the council made "good progress."

An extract from the annual inspection reads: "It has achieved significant improvements in its priority services and in areas that are important to the public.

"Results for education, adult social care, benefits and planning are now much improved, as a result of the council focussing on aspects that have been performing poorly in the past."

The inspectors agreed that the council was "improving well", although improvements still need to be made.

They said the appointment of interim chief executive Sir Mike Pitt in early 2005 has had a profound effect.

"The appointment has reinvigorated the council," said the report. "As a result, a wide range of initiatives and improvement actions have been implemented."