Laptop computers bought for councillors two years ago at a cost of £125,000 are still not being used for their proposed purpose ­ because the technology is not yet in place.

The computers have been a source of controversy since they were delivered to the council in December 2001, at a time when it was proposing massive budget cuts.

They were introduced to save money on posting agendas by linking councillors to an intranet internal communications system. There, elected members could read minutes of council meetings and communicate with officers.

But none of these measures have yet been introduced.

Leading councillors say the computers are only being used to email colleagues and money has been wasted. Councillor Justin Tomlinson (Con, Abbey Meads), claims many of the machines have sat dormant since members collected them.

He has warned the technology will soon become obsolete.

He said: "The whole laptop fiasco could have been better managed with the money spent used for greater priorities such as education or social services.

"I do not know why they bought the equipment before getting all of the functions on line.

"I would have been happy for mine to be lent to a school or community group until I had any use for it."

Conservative leader Councillor Mike Bawden (Old Town and Lawns) said it was an example of the council starting a project and not following it through to its conclusion.

Swindon Council spokeswoman Sarah Deacon said the authority was set to start researching what councillors need from the computers, but refused to explain why they were handed out a year before the system was fully completed.

She said: "The initial phase saw 39 members given laptops and given training at the Drove Centre.

"The second phase has begun and members without laptops can receive one. We will now be finding out how we can develop our intranet best for the members.

"We purchased 43 laptops with 39 used by members and the rest issued if a new member requires one or there is a problem with an issued laptop."

Whilst the Conservatives acknowledge the potential for IT, with Labour's Council Tax hikes, and failing services, we must spend the Council money more wisely.  Following pressure from the Labour Group to make the lap tops a priority for the Council the whole process has been rushed, and a total disaster.  This is yet another example of Labour's waste and mismangement.