Letters: December 16, 2016

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

Money better spent

THERE are many reasons why I am opposed to the new £22m art gallery and museum.

It’s no surprise to me that Swindon officials care about the mentally ill, the elderly who are bored in the nursing homes and seek love, the under class (formerly known as working class) the majority of whom are struggling to make ends despite working long hours, the single mothers who are raising their children, the youths who are unemployed and underemployed, the children who Ofsted reported aren’t getting decent education, the homeless people in the streets of Swindon in winter, the entrepreneurs who cannot start their businesses because of the narrow mindedness of the council and the absence of a university.

Penhill, Park North and Park South and Broadgreen areas are in need when we compare with west and north Swindon areas.

People of the latter areas have good jobs thus receive good wages. It’s because they had earlier opportunities that allowed them to gain these posts.

Most people in Broadgreen, Penhill and Parks have not had similar opportunities in terms of training, connection and a fair chance.

I’m a big fan of museums. I’m fascinated by creativity and admire beauty. My favourite artists are Picasso and Jean Michel Basquiat. Having said that, that £22m could go to a university, housing or roads, which Swindon needs.

Swindon’s schools are underachieving. Some of the money could educate these children.

Imagine if the council uses that £22m to create jobs for its citizens, imagine the money goes to improve the quality of life of the elderly, the poor and the little people who will shape the future of this town, imagine the money goes to struggling to local libraries which have been threatened with closure, imagine the money goes to children centres so mothers have somewhere they can take their little ones.

The photo of the four men and woman with the article were all dressed well. They live in a different Swindon than the Swindon of the majority. They all wear big smiles on their faces. They make policies that aren’t the best interests of the citizens of this town.

But what is the point of being in public office if you cannot make a difference in people lives? It is only self-serving.

AXMED BAHJAD

Ermin Street, Swindon

....

Gallery is misguided

THEY are at it again, our council, spending conjured up monies to bring a “butterfly shaped structure” into the rundown and dying town centre so we can display our fine collection of modern art to the world. Wow can’t wait.

Having worked for many years associated with the construction industry, I know of very few projects that come in on budget.

This, although a contemporary and striking structure, will be placed in the middle of a rundown section of town. The tented market springs to mind and the council pulled the plug on that.

The council has pledged £5m and they will try to convince the Lottery Fund people that this is a worthy cause and get another £10m, so that’s a balance of £7m to find – and that’s before they sail over budget.

If the project does go ahead it will be interesting to see who will stump up the shortfall.

Ironically, I do love art and very much appreciate the town’s collection, it is something we can be proud of.

But to spend all those millions when we are cutting other crucial services seems way off of the list of priorities.

Dare I say that the Mechanics Institute would be a superb home for such a collection and our museum, after all it is our heritage. But, alas, this council would rather see it fall down. Spend on, misguided fools.

KEVIN EDMONDS

Covingham, Swindon

....

Rail service success

A BIG thank you to everyone who travelled on the trial TransWilts train service from Westbury, Trowbridge and Melksham to Chippenham and Swindon over the past three years.

The trial came to an end last Saturday, with passenger numbers so good that the service continues on a permanent basis as a part of the main franchise, with services up to nine times a day all year.

The funding and administration are “all change”, but travellers should see no difference in the train or the fares and can plan education and career changes based on it being available into the future.

The trial has succeeded because of a strong requirement to travel the route, and also because Wiltshire Council, Great Western Railway, the Department for Transport, politicians and community groups have all come together to promote and support it – so may I add my thanks to each of those groups too.

“Use it or lose it” is a common saying for public services. We have used it, so we will not be losing it.

There remains a need for vigilance and community support for all public services and indeed TransWilts, Great Western and others are planning to ensure that the service continues to grow from its now permanent new base.

As community rail officer, I look forward to seeing returning and new passengers on board in coming weeks, months and years.

GRAHAM ELLIS

Community rail officer

TransWilts Community Rail Partnership

Spa Road, Melksham

....

Salty tale is revealed

I HAVE noticed recently there has been a lot of serious stuff on these pages. Perhaps a lighter tone as the festive season approaches would be more appreciated. I will try my best.

As Scotland’s big night approaches, namely New Year’s night, it took my mind back to many years ago when we went to John O’ Groats and stayed in a hotel in Thurso.

I met a Scottish local trawler captain in the hotel, and we were talking about the military might of America. He then told me this tale:

‘In a foggy night in the North Atlantic there were two lights on a collision course. A Scottish voice came over the the radio saying: “We suggest you change course ten degrees to port side.”

A voice with a patronising American accent replied: “We suggest you change course ten degrees to port side. I am the radio operator on the battleship the USS Missouri leading the American battle fleet.”

The Scottish voice replied: “I am the radio operator on the Outer Hebrides Lighthouse, but it’s your call, sailor.”

Finally, as Hogmanay approaches: As the clock was about to strike midnight in a Glasgow pub and bring in the New Year Nicola Sturgeon stood up on a table and shouted: “At midnight I want every man in this pub to stand close to the person that makes his life worth living.” As midnight struck, the barman nearly got crushed to death.

BILL WILLIAMS

Merlin Way

Covingham, Swindon

....

Support for Shelter

AS AN architect, I know how important home is. It’s far more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a special place where memories are created. And this is particularly true at Christmas time.

As a father, I find it sad that more than 2,600 children in the south west will be waking up homeless on Christmas morning – the highest level since 2009.

These children could be sharing a bed with their parents in a dingy hostel, too frightened to leave their room. No child should have to live like that.

The Shelter helpline provides advice for families in desperate situations like this. And with M&S donating five per cent of every sale of their festive food range for Shelter directly towards funding the helpline, you can help these families by popping for lunch.

Something as simple as a sandwich can help raise thousands of pounds for Shelter, funding one in five of the calls answered by the helpline. This could be the difference between a family losing their home and keeping it.

GEORGE CLARKE

Via email

....

Christingle services

WITH Christmas fast approaching many people across Wiltshire are getting into the festive spirit, getting out the tinsel, enjoying the mince pies and celebrating with the family.

For me Christmas is a time of such blessing, but it also offers a chance to remember those who are less fortunate, children and young people whose voices aren’t being listened to and whose problems are being ignored.

That’s why I’m supporting The Children’s Society’s Christingle celebrations, as money raised will go to support children suffering from terrible hardship, abuse and neglect.

Last year there were dozens of wonderfully joyous Christingle services in Wiltshire and we need as many people as possible to go along this year, enjoy themselves and donate to support the thousands of children in desperate need.

To find out about a local Christingle near you visit childrenssociety.org.uk/local.

JUNE BROWN MBE

Actress

....

Pavement wishes

LETTER to Santa, courtesy of the Swindon Adver

Dear Santa, would you please deliver to Swindon Borough Council the necessary materials to provide us with decent pavements to walk on in Commercial Road?

Better wish ‘em a merry Christmas as well.

RON BURCHELL

Crombey Street, Swindon