IN Emma Streatfield’s report on the burnt out bungalow at Barbury Castle, Saturday, Oct 31, Roger Hayes was right when he said Swindon Council cannot run a rural small holding. The Wilts County Council’s small holdings were started after the First World War for ex-servicemen. There were two at Ogbourne St George, one at Stratton St Margaret, one along the Wootton Bassett road and one at Barbury Castle. I’m sure there were a lot more but I can’t remember them.
Leaving that bungalow unoccupied was a gross mistake and was asking for trouble. When the last tenant moved in he was asked to move in immediately the previous tenant moved out to prevent vandalism. I know that in both cases when the tenants were given notice things became difficult between them and the council.
To say that sheep cause soil erosion is not true because they are very good for grass management. Why else would the National Trust have them grazing on White Horse Hill?
KEN LEON Kingstone Winslow Swindon
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