IN a recent letter Mr T F Hall wrote that he shared my concern over the Coate/university controversy. I appreciate his support.

He asked Coun Roderick Bluh to tell us how much Bath University are paying Swindon for the privilege of building a campus at Coate.

From what I can gather from reports in the Advertiser, they are paying nothing. The wise men of Bath are not in the business of bearing gifts to Swindon. On the contrary, they are expecting Swindon Borough Council to do a deal with Redrow Homes and Persimmon Homes, a deal that will include free land for Bath University at Coate.

They will also apply for a government grant that will not bring any benefit to Swindon. And can Coun Bluh confirm that if Bath University were to run into financial difficulties at some time in the future, they would not be a burden on Swindon rate payers?

If my letter is way off the mark I stand to be corrected, but I would remind Coun Bluh that the people of Swindon have been kept in the dark for far too long.

It's their town and councillors are obliged to do everything openly in their best interests.

Perhaps he will explain why Swindon, with a population nearing 200,000 cannot create its own university at North Star.

Be a real Swindonian, Coun Bluh.

E BEINT Burnley