Ever since the dire report by the Audit Commission, it has been clear that Swindon Council's social services department is in a seriously rocky state.

The accusations made today by Deborah Rees, formerly a planning officer for adults with learning difficulties, make the poor management and inefficiency, which was conveyed by the report, an even blacker picture.

Her claim that there is a culture of arrogance should send ripplles of unease through the department.

And those in charge must take notice of them. If they have an answer, let them state it publicly.

Miss Rees predicts she will lose her job as a result of having blown the whistle on what affects some of this town's most vulnerable people.

The fact that she is prepared to risk her professional future indicates crucially important factors that need to be acknowleged

The people of Swindon cannot afford to be left in the dark on this issue.