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Take some pride in town

WHY am I not surprised in any way that the appeal to keep the Tented Market has failed and it will be demolished?

Now, don’t get me wrong, it’s not Harrods but it is probably the ONLY thing we have in Swindon town centre that is in any way different from the norm.

We must face it that we will never have the charm of some of the jewels that surround us in the shape of Bath, Oxford, Cheltenham, Newbury or even Marlborough.

We have a population who prefer going to all the above rather than visit the second rate uninspiring town that we have.

If you look at the way this town is run it is apparent that whoever is responsible are totally clueless about what would make Swindon centre a viable, smart, different, pleasant place to visit.

In the past they have removed all the street traders that give the centre a splash of colour and character.

Go to any thriving town, Brighton, Bristol, Oxford and many more, they have street traders in abundance and are welcome.

Those that say it can’t be done in Swindon are wrong. I am aware that Camden Market in London is on a different scale, it is nevertheless based on a run-down high street in an old stable, the magic ingredient is a forward-thinking local authority and individuals who want to do something to make a difference.

The nearest Swindon will ever come to The Lanes, in Brighton, or Camden Market, or even the brilliant diversity of Marlborough is that Tented Market, sad but true.

The much complimented “Outlet” at the old railway works is evidence that people are willing to come to Swindon.

But do they make a day of it and wander around the shops and bring much-needed wealth to Swindon centre? Not a chance.

So, local authority, employ a bright, young, brilliant person (there are many of them), give him/her your complete backing, accept massive cultural changes, set aside an area of the town where we would all be proud to see it grow into something special rather than the same old negative tosh you preside over currently.

It would take time but would transform our sterile soon to be ghost town into a place people would want to travel to get to.

KEVIN EDMONDS

Covingham, Swindon

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Bus service question

YOUR article “End of line for Chiseldon bus run – and other services at risk” (The Adver, November 8) is an early example of the Conservative Swindon Borough Council’s adopted Bus Strategy. This gives the head of transport and highways, in conjunction with the cabinet member for sustainability and transport, Coun Dale Heenan. the authority to progressively withdraw funding from the bus companies.

Strange how Dale’s smiling face is not included in this article but was displayed where a new service is provided by the contribution of a private developer.

Which service is next on his list, Nos 19, (operated by Stagecoach on Sundays) 19A*, 19B, 21*, 22, 23*, 24*, 24A* and 25*?

Note Nos 46, 48, 48A, 70A*, 72A* are currently supported by Wiltshire Council (*limited services).

BRIAN V COCKBILL

Stratton Road, Stratton, Swindon

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Represent our wishes

I HAVE been reading the various points of view regarding Brexit, as well as the arguments regarding Article 50 having to seek Parliamentary and House of Lords approval.

Apparently there are even top legal experts who disagree on these points.

As even our best legal minds beg to differ on this subject, it appears to me that in truth, it is a matter of personal opinion.

Here is mine. The judiciary of this country, as well as our MPs, have been giving away our rights, laws and traditions in subjection to the European Disunion for the last 40 years.

The list is endless from our fishing rights to what light bulbs we must buy. It is a pity that all the so- called Parliamentarians never made as much fuss about these losses as they are about Brexit.

The MPs are elected to serve and represent the wishes of the majority of the people, not their own personal opinions, particularly where there is a conflict of interests.

I refer to personal financial gain or future employment prospects being put before the best interests of the electorate or the country, Mandelson, Kinnock and Clegg come to mind, to mention but a few.

Before the hand wringers start replying about the rights of Parliament to make decisions on our behalf, may I mention military interference agreed by Parliament? That has caused chaos in Africa and the Middle East

Then there is the MPs’ expenses scandal and the recent reinstatement of Keith Vaz. They know better than we do? I beg to differ.

Perhaps the Supreme Court, a ridiculous Americanisation, on hearing the appeal on Brexit might heed another American’s wisdom. Harry S.Truman once said: “The people’s good is the highest law.”

BILL WILLIAMS

Merlin Way, Covingham, Swindon

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Nature of referendum

NEIL Mercer makes a very fair response to my letter of November 8.

And, as we await the pleasure of the Justices of the Supreme Court to determine whether their and colleagues in the High Court were right to intervene in the Government’s ability to invoke Article 50 without reference to Parliament, it is right to remind ourselves of the nature of the EU referendum.

I am aware of the character of the Bill presented to and debated and voted on by a Parliamentary majority of six to one and the fact it did not contain any requirement for the UK Government to implement the results, nor set a time limit by which a vote to leave the EU should be implemented.

Instead, this type of referendum enabled the electorate to voice an opinion which should then influence the Government in its policy decisions. I believe the result has properly influenced the government.

The same conditions applied to the referendums held in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in 1997 and 1998 which were also pre-legislative or consultative, where opinion was tested before further legislation was introduced

While the UK does not have constitutional provisions which would require the results of a referendum to be implemented I think the vast majority who took part in the Referendum vote had little doubt that the result would be accepted by Parliament and the

public as representing the will of the people.

As for whether the people ‘trust’ the judgement of their so called representatives in Parliament, that is very much another discussion topic.

But on the evidence of the referendum I would suggest the answer is a resounding ‘no.’

That the subsequent result is being questioned in terms of ‘what did it really mean?’ demonstrates the dangers of allowing clever politicians free rein.

Neil asks me to identify a law introduced by the EU which has had a detrimental impact on me, in doing so he attempts to make a link to my decision to vote leave.

I understand why he would want to do this but in doing so he would ignore my simple and straightforward wish to ‘not be governed by the EU.’

DES MORGAN

Caraway Drive, Swindon

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Support good cause

I AM appealing for used postage stamps which help me raise funds which I then donate to the Guide Dogs For The Blind. Recycling used postage stamps is such an easy way to raise money for the charity and I am always in need of all types of postage stamps, including British, foreign and Christmas stamps.

If you are able to help I would be grateful if you could cut the stamps from their envelopes (leaving a 1cm margin around the stamp) and send them to the address below.

MYRNA CHAVE

PO Box 91

Virginia Water

Surrey, GU25 9AR