Letters: September 5, 2016

Anonymity is granted only at the discretion of the editor, who also reserves the right to edit letters.

Questions for councillor

I HAVE read the article from the council leader and, althoughI may be wrong, he doesn’t mention anything about democracy in his article. With that in mind can I ask the following or can he comment:

Can he confirm that on August 17, 2016, at the council cabinet meeting this precept proposal for the town was passed by the members present and is now an on going process?

Can he confirm that the budget for next year, has been amended to follow up this process?

Can he confirm also, that even before the meeting on the August 17, the council had leaflets and maps of the new proposal printed up, for distribution to the town residents?

Can he confirm that his parish of Haydon Wick, which has signed up to this process. is now being paid about £160,000 to do the council work

Can he confirm how much the council is paying now to other parish councils which have signed up to the agreement?

Stratton Parish Council had a vote on this item and it was rejected by the residents, will the council now continue to carry out these tasks for Stratton?

Can he also say why they were allowed a vote on this matter, but non parish residents have been denied such a vote?

The new proposal has my ward of Gorse Hill and Pinehurst looped into the new north central ward, where we will be responsible for the cleaning of the town centre. If other areas like Covingham or Nythe can have separate parish councils, why can’t Gorse Hilll and Pinehurst?

As a result of this process, can he say how many council workers and, indeed, councillors will loose their jobs?

Finally, can he say how much these stage three meetings and all the paperwork being sent out to residents of the town is costing?

T REYNOLDS

Wheeler Avenue

Swindon

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Virgin’s contact number

RODNEY Wirdnam, in his letter of Wednesday, August 31 asked for help in contacting Virgin. He hasn’t said what numbers he has been ringing.

The contact number I use is 151, which I think is free from either mobile or landlines and I have always found them to be extremely helpful but I would suggest calling early, eg 8am, although it may in fact be a 24- hour service, I can’t actually remember.

Again, from memory, I don’t recall having to wait too long but yes there are menu options to press.

I think you can contact them through My Media account online as well.

I hope this helps.

JILL WARREN

Plummer Close

Wroughton

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Better tax system idea

THE EU has demanded an additional 13 billion euros in back taxes from the huge multi national company Apple.

The low taxes in Ireland are classed as state aid and that is illegal under EU law.

The Irish government insists that Apple has paid the correct taxes and is appealing against this decision.

The EU is the higher authority in this situation and can overrule the parliaments of the EU nation states.

A much better system for collection taxes would be for corporation tax to be paid where the profits are generated in each individual country around the world.

STEVE HALDEN

Beaufort Green

Swindon

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Give a hand and bake

IT’S time to roll up your sleeves, grab a maxing bowl and bake a difference for the Stroke Association.

Our charity’s fundraising campaign, Give A Hand And Bake, takes place this autumn, and we need budding bakers to get involved.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned chef or a first time baker – all you’ll need is enthusiasm and a hungry group of friends ready to Give A Hand And Bake for the Stroke Association. Whether you like the idea of an afternoon tea for your colleagues or a fancy showstopper to wow your friends, a simple donation in return for a slice of cake will help us create a new era in stroke treatment.

Stroke is the UK’s fourth biggest killer, and there are more than 100,000 stroke survivors living in the south west. Many of your readers will know someone affected by this cruel condition.

By giving a hand to the Stroke Association, your readers will help stroke survivors get the treatment they need and the lifelong support they deserve. People across the UK will be baking up a storm from October 24 to 30.

For more information on how to get a free pack, visit www.stroke.org.uk/giveahand

JACQUI CUTHBERT

Regional head of operations in the south west

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Grease is the word

I HAD to write to say what a wonderful show Grease was at the Wyvern Theatre recently.

I have seen many professional shows over the years and I think it beats them all.

Everyone in the cast excelled, the singing was spot on, their energy was electrifying.

Thank you to the organisers and all involved, wonderful.

STEPHANIE GILES

Bodiam Drive

Toothill

Swindon

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Transport complaints

I WISH to tell the world, or at least Swindon, about my experience with the hospital transport, which has not improved.

I attended the physiotherapy department and they were picking me up late or not at all, meaning I missed 15 to 35 minutes of my treatment and afterwards I was left waiting for two to three hours. Sometimes it would take four hours for a return journey homeward.

On one occasion I had a hypo condition after a long wait because I am diabetic. They gave me a cup of tea, sandwich and the quickest available spot on any transport home.

The gist of this letter is, I complained about the transport to the appropriate people and the reply was they would pass it on to the right department and I would get a reply in 60 days.

Yes, 60 days after they investigated. This was November 2015 and it’s now been a long 60 days and I have not had a reply or explanation.

There are many people who have had the same problem as me and complained only to the hospital.

I don’t understand how a co-ordinator in Bristol can co-ordinate journeys in Swindon without a real idea of the topography of the area.

FRANCIS REED

Pinehurst Road

Swindon

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Unfair licence fee

I THINK it’s really unfair that the BBC is charging us to watch programmes on iPlayer.

It’s called a TV licence but I haven’t got a TV but I need a licence if I want to watch the Beeb. I just don’t get it.

Also, it’s too expensive.

Netflix is five pounds a month but the BBC wants to charge over ten pounds.

Is it twice as good as Netflix?

I don’t think so.

I’m going to see how long I can cope without watching Dragons' Den, University Challenge and the other BBC shows I love in the hope they will come to their senses and lower their fee.

EL PEDLEY

Grange Drive

Stratton

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Shameful behaviour

THE hound and I went on a romp around Coate Water the other day when I saw a most horrific sight.

A man with a small dog, possibly a Parson Russell terrier, was yanking it around on its lead and then he bent down and smacked it on the nose.

All because the dog wanted to come and say hello to my dog.

I was so shocked I didn’t say anything but I wish I had now.

Sir, if you’re reading this, shame on you.

You shouldn’t be allowed the privilege of having a dog.

CE Billings

Newport Street

Swindon