I read with interest that ex-councillor Mike Bawden is seeking an ‘active role’ in Swindon’s future after news that his leukaemia is in remission, and has expressed a wish to be involved with what he describes as ‘strategic planning’.

Whilst I wish Mike the best of health, I am concerned that his self-confessed enthusiasm for Swindon’s expansion leaves absolutely no room for consideration of environmental welfare, greenbelt significance, or new-build moderation in the face of a severely challenged rural landscape where capital gain offers tempting rewards.

Politics in this day and age, as we are all painfully aware, tends to revolve around personal interest rather than any reality of ‘representing the electorate’.

In or out of the council chamber, Mr Bawden’s views and policies are likely to remain unchanged.

His moves and influences have cost Swindon a considerable amount of green space and natural beauty, generally without consultation with the public or reflection of community views.

The fiasco over Croft was typical of 'Bawdenesque' tactics and shows how easy it is for powerful politicians to override social commonsense.

Although I now live many miles away, Swindon has been part of my existence for more than 40 years and remains so to this day.

I’ve maintained an active interest in council matters and practices during that time and know something of what goes on in the chamber.

I for one would like to see Mr Bawden kept as far away from planning and developmental issues as humanly possible.

Nothing personal, Mike, it’s just that I would like to see something left of the town’s untouched sanctuaries when I visit, and to know that a new era of forward-thinking, ethical agendas might possibly have room to flourish while you enjoy your retirement.

Every living thing has a right to quality of life, and I hope to see rather more quality being protected in the future than has proven to be the case in the past.

Kathy Ratcliffe Lutterworth Road Swinford Leicestershire