Swindon Council must think its residents to be very naive as they perpetuate the myth there is no money in the Civic Offices coffers.

What is clear to everyone is that if a project is favoured by the political elite or proposed by the officer corps, then money can be found.

The latest example is to be found with the news that £5m has been set aside towards the project to bring a new art gallery to the town.

Coun Mattock opines that he believes a new museum would complement the current regeneration of the town centre through projects including the Regent Circus leisure park.

To actually align the new museum with a multiplex cinema and fast food eateries demonstrates a most peculiar appreciation of the ‘arts’ – but I suppose each to his own.

The Oasis is a leisure destination in need of some considerable works to once more make it the envy of the South West. That it has been sadly neglected is an indictment of council policy and suggests a complete absence of positive thinking on behalf of the leisure services team.

I want a new museum and art gallery but have to question whether the council has the in-house expertise to run such a facility.

They clearly don't believe that after 37 years they have the skills to run a golf course or leisure facility.

The council has just ‘given away’ the Oasis to a company who have singularly failed to impress, having failed to meet two deadlines to refurbish the dome and changing rooms.

Des Morgan Caraway Drive Swindon