I HAVE every sympathy for the innocent civilian men, women and children of Afghanistan who have been killed in this war, whether by friend or foe. All deaths in wartime are a cruel loss and any civilian deaths in war are a irreconcilable tragedy.

However I cannot help but think that, if this march goes ahead it will be a blow to the families of those service personnel who have been killed. It will besmirch the memory of our war dead and be an irritation to those who are serving to protect us all and keep us safe at home in this country.

Much is said about the good people of Wootton Bassett who regularly turn out to pay their respects for the fallen. I have joined them several times and I know that the spirit of the people who attend the processions at Wootton Bassett will survive this intended march and a hundred more like it!

By making this announcement the march organisers are already being deemed by ordinary people to have hijacked the bereavement and memory of our service personnel for the purpose of maximising publicity for their own cause. I cannot believe that anyone would seek to bring more hurt to the bereaved families by promoting their cause or aims at a solemn time of mourning and respect.

Unlike BBC Question Time I hope the march organisers will show respect,and not politicise the events that take place there. I appeal to the organisers to reconsider their proposed intention to march in Wootton Bassett.

STEVE WAKEFIELD Swindon