IN a week when Swindon suffered yet another devastating air raid, the corporation reported that offers of advice and practical assistance in the event of further attacks were being rejected by householders.

Local government officials had been met with “an almost hostile reception” during house to house calls with some residents accused of taking no interest in their own safety and claiming they could see no danger.

However, Swindon householders answered back, critical of the provision of public shelters and urging that the local authority should provide Anderson shelters in the densely populated areas of the town.

Residents were advised to designate an internal refuge room and to put up exterior “blast” walls to protect vulnerable points of their homes.

“And this is where, in certain circumstances, the corporation may give professional advice, material and labour free,”

reported the Advertiser.

“All ratepayers earning £250 or less a year or who are compulsorily insured, and who live in densely populated areas or within 800 yards of a possible enemy target, qualify for the free service.”

Householders were encouraged to take advantage of this, although Swindonians were reminded that “the authority is not blessed with unlimited manpower and resources”.