Swindon’s economy is ‘vibrant’ according to a leading firm of accountants - but it could be better.

The borough council’s auditor’s Grant Thornton has issued a website ranking the ‘vibrancy’ of the economy in 324 local authority areas in England.

And while Swindon’s is pretty healthy, it’s placed in the second highest category - the only problem is that all the surrounding areas; Wiltshire, Costwolds, the Vale of White Horse and West Berkshire are all ranked one grade higher.

For prosperity Swindon is ranked 22 out of 324, and get’s the same top 10 per cent rating for resilience and sustainability of its economy.. There’s also a high degree of dynamism and opportunity, Swindon is ranked 79 out of 324.

But the town doesn’t score so well on community trust and belonging - 147, inclusion and equality at 156 and is in the bottom half for health, wellbeing happiness at 194 out of 324.

Councillor Oliver Donachie, the borough council’s cabinet member for economic prosperity said: “Swindon is ranked 22nd out of 324 in terms of prosperity, resilience and sustainability. This puts us in the top 10 per cent in the country. There are many ways to measure prosperity and in the Centre for Cities factbook 2018, Swindon is ranked third in the country for employment. This is an indication of the emphasis that we place on Swindon’s economic strength as we move forward into uncertain times pro Brexit. Our secure position in economic terms has meant that Swindon has resisted the ups and downs that the UK's economic prosperity can take.”

“Overall, the study put Swindon at 74 out of 324 cities nationally – that is within the top quarter and pitches us against some larger and more traditional cities across the country. The Conservative administration has recognised that there is more to do and we have an ambitious plan to regenerate and transform the town to ensure that future generations have a town they can be equally as proud of.”