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Do the right thing

AS HADRIAN Ellory Van Dekker has been brought in at huge expense, by the council to promote only the idea of a “cultural quarter” next to the council offices at the top of town, it’s unsurprising he is doing just that.

What we have there is a decent library, a small, privately run theatre which is often barely half full, and empty shops that the council cannot let so they either leave empty or give to groups on peppercorn tenancies.

What we have around the Mechanics hub is a set of heritage buildings boasting internationally historic significance, which this council is allowing to decay.

This is compounded by the fact that funds emanating from the lottery will be both limited and in huge demand nationwide.

In making awards the fund has to take into account a fair geographical balance over competing projects from across the nation.

If the fund is persuaded to support the ‘Matchbox Gallery’ then I see no possibility of more substantial funding for restorative building in SN1 for a generation, as the buildings in Swindon’s authentic cultural and historical quarter have no immediate viable alternative uses.

“Forward Swindon” have rushed out plans for the Carriage Works, after it become clear many were arguing for any new gallery to go there.

In suggesting it and the Mechanics for “digital arts, learning resources, display and events as well as artists’ studios” they are affirming its suitability for the gallery. Sometimes councils have to reflect on decisions and do the right thing... rather than the easiest or most expedient.

JOHN STOOKE

Haydon End

Misleading view on EU

THE diatribe from Dr Brian Mathew (letters March2 ) is disingenuous. The Prime Minister has made it clear on several occasions that her Government would be willing to guarantee the rights of EU citizens who already live in the UK provided that the other 27 countries of the EU give a similar guarantee for UK citizens working in the EU.

Unfortunately, commissars in Brussels have refused to agree to this until Article 50 is invoked, something the Brian Mathew’s Party is trying to delay or prevent. Dr Mathew might gain more credibility if he campaigned for the EU commission to act more sensibly. But I doubt it.

DAVE DURIE

Fernham Road, Swindon

Why no response?

AN OPEN letter to MP Robert Buckland. It is another day and another lack of response from either Mr Renard or yourself about the Cabinet Meeting on February 23.

If I do not hear anything by today I will use an alternative method to challenge this. The more people I speak to about this, the more it is becoming obvious that people are being ignored when they have tried to contact either yourself or the council.

I feel that there is something undemocratic about all this. I hope you can prove me wrong.

MARTIN COSTELLO

Swindon