Mike Bawden has been involved in local government for nearly 40 years but his work isn't finished yet, as he tells LEIGH ROBINSON.

THE number of people who have had a real influence on Swindon are few and far between.

First there was Brunel, who actually wanted to build his railworks at Oxford but came to us after he was refused by the academics in the city of dreaming spires.

Then there was David Murray John who as Swindon's town clerk had the vision to see that the railways would not last for ever so bought up every piece of land he could and encouraged the new industries to use it.

And then there is Mike Bawden, the past leader of the council and the current mayor of the town.

But the jury is out when it comes to his name in the history books.

He's just been given the freedom of the borough for his many years of hard work on behalf of the people of Swindon.

And there is little doubt that had it not been for Coun Bawden there was a possibility that Swindon would sink into a morass of decrepitude.

It's still close to the edge and needs plenty of tugging back onto firm ground where people can truly say: "I'm proud to come from Swindon."

But five years ago no-one actually knew in which direction the town was going. Now things seem to be organised.

"It is fair to say that when I took over as leader the council had a reputation as one of the worst councils in the country," said the Conservative councillor for Old Town and Lawn.

"Now three years down the line we have a reputation as being above average.

"I have handed over the leader's baton to someone else and in another three years' time we want to make sure that we have gone on from average and are considered as good."

Mike appreciates the ride has not been an easy one for some people who work for the council as a worker, officer or councillor.

"To get where we are now I had to be a benevolent dictator. There was no other way." After his year long spell as mayor, which started earlier this month, Mike will be offering himself up the electorate.

And if elected what will be do then?

"First things first. Let me get elected in 2008 but I'm sure I'll find something to do."

But in his year as mayor he does not intend just to glad hand his way through a year in office.

"I want to make sure that business knows that here in Swindon we have plenty to offer.

"I want to be a sort of conduit where I can be link between the office of mayor, the new leader of the council and any organisation which is interested in seeing new businesses coming to town. Plus helping the older ones, if they need it."

Just which way local government is going is anyone's guess with the current Labour government not able to make up its mind about it's own future.

But it's more than likely that the regional assemblies will play a big part in the future of local government.

And Mike already serves on the south west regional assembly and will play a big part of its future.

What about Swindon as a city in the future and will there be another campaign?

"I think we have more important things than that on our plates at the moment," he said.

"There is still a lot which has to be done to get our council running properly.

"But in the future city status is something we will have another look at. But the town has got to be right first."