A REPLACEMENT has been drafted in for social services director Keith Skerman after it was announced that he needs surgery for a serious illness.

Swindon Council was remaining tight-lipped about the 51-year-old's future after he went on leave five weeks ago.

But in a statement released yesterday Mr Skerman was described as being on "sick leave as a result of serious illness."

Andrew Ireland has been brought in from Kent County Council and will become acting director of social services.

A spokesman for the council said: "Mr Ireland is an experienced senior manager. It is anticipated that the council's special committee will formally approve Mr Ireland's acting appointment on Monday."

Leader of the council Mike Bawden wished Mr Skerman a speedy recovery but would not comment on the nature of his illness and refused to speculate on whether the father-of-three would return.

"I wish Keith the best of luck in his treatment over the next few weeks," he said.

"My thoughts are with him and his family."

The news comes in the same week that the council's chief executive Simon Birch resigned after deciding the town needed a fresh approach.

There is conjecture that his post could be filled by a director from Kent who has already signed a £3.6m deal to haul social services out of the doldrums.

Mr Skerman faced a serious setback in November, when promises to improve standards were shattered by a damning government inspection.

Social services, which care for the town's neediest people, has now been zero-rated for three years running.

In June 2003, Mr Skerman joined from the London Borough of Hillingdon, where he was head of community care.

A social care professional with more than 25 years experience, he replaced Marie Seaton.

She resigned in 2002 after the Social Services Inspectorate gave Swindon a zero-rating.

Ben Payne