RJ Taylor is absolutely correct to raise concerns about the proposal to spend money on high speed broadband at the current time. There are two questionable aspects to this proposal. Firstly SBC, who have been whingeing long and loud in recent months that times are hard and there is no money.

So either that is not true or this represents more borrowing, and we should remember the level of indebtedness they have created for each and every one of us without first seeking our permission.

Secondly, and I think this is more likely, this is a form of recycling. In this case of public funds to private pockets, not least those of members of SBC appointed to allegedly look after the taxpayers’ interest. In the Wifi case, the accounts show slightly more than £200,000 in directors emoluments to three people, at least one of whom had been appointed to oversee the taxpayers’ interest but did not do so. This is out of a total loss in excess of £400,000. We have yet to receive any clarity or comment on this from SBC and it is their silence that is most telling. The appearance of such ‘Tammany Hall’ style behaviour does not provide confidence in SBC and those who campaigned for the maintenance of children’s centres must be feeling sick at this demonstration of skewed priorities.

Guy Green Old Town Swindon