I AM encouraged to read that Better Swindon is seeking mutually acceptable solutions to issues of public concern that will lead to positive change in the council.

A welcome consequence of their non-confrontational approach is that useful comment was elicited on your article of 21 April, which has highlighted a very pressing need for Swindon’s public consultations to be reformed.

Whilst there will always be individuals who equate holding the council to account with causing trouble, Swindon residents must not succumb to the simple despair that renders any thought of changing the status quo an idle fantasy. In Better Swindon we now have a new forum in which to make our voices heard!

Shirley Burnham, Arundel Close, Swindon