SWINDON has stagnated and relies too much on global corporations that cannot guarantee its future is the stark warning from new council leader Roderick Bluh.

In a frank and detailed outline of his plans for his first year in the council's top job, Coun Bluh (Con, Dorcan) said Swindon needed a "radical" shake up if its prosperity is to continue.

He said the town was over-reliant on big businesses.

Swindon had been through a series of different eras from what he called the railway era, to the industry era but there are no guarantees the jobs created by the town's multinationals are here to stay.

"Swindon cannot guarantee its future," Coun Bluh said.

"We are heavily reliant on global companies.

"They don't need to be in Swindon.

"We've only to lose one or two of those and it will have a material effect."

Coun Bluh promised "bold" new plans for transport, business and the environment in the town that would help lure smarter, more diverse industries to the town.

He said the town had to push to become a science and technology hotbed.

He said he had "some concerns" about the town's "best business location in the UK" tagline but said it could benefit the whole community.

"If you want to be the best business location you have got to have the right education and good health services," Coun Bluh said.

"Swindon needs its own identity.

"Swindon has stagnated over the past five to 10 years.

"I believe part of that is the image of the town.

"But what have we got here?

"We have got enough here to give Swindon a science and technology future.

"We need a broader base."

He said residents would benefit because the requirements for a good place to do business were the same as a good place to live.

Top of the list was improving schools. "We know our secondary education isn't good enough," Coun Bluh said.

He said the council was building new schools but wanted a university as well.

But he admitted there was little to report on the University of Bath's plans to move to the town.

Coun Bluh said supporters of the controversial Headlands Academy plan needed to prove it would benefit the area's children before he gave it his backing.

"I'm going to judge it on its merits," Coun Bluh said.

The next big issue is transport, with a major review out later this year.

"We do need to get on with a major transport review," Coun Bluh said.

"We won't be the best business location for long if we are grid locked."

He said the council would consider more roads as well as alternative transport.

But he warned residents could not leave everything to the council, especially ending anti-social behaviour.

"It's not about the council doing everything for everybody," Coun Bluh said.

"It's not all about Asbos.

"You can't slap Asbos on everybody.

"We need to be plain and honest with people.

"If they are sitting back there waiting for the Government and the council to do everything, they could be waiting a fairly long time."