FOR Phil Young, the Conservative Lead member for Regeneration, to blame the Labour Government for ensuring that Swindon does not receive a university in the near future is really ironic.

It is important to remind your readers of two things.

Firstly, let us remember that this council has paid £129,400 to a London Lobbying firm to lobby parliament and the government to secure funding for projects just like a university for Swindon. Phil making such a statement, I think this sums up how much value for money Swindon council tax payers are getting from this £129,400.

Secondly, the Conservatives have been in power now for six years! For these six years, they have had the chance to secure a university for our town. Instead the Conservatives have been focusing on projects like wi-fi, and the feasibility of a canal. For the long term benefit of the town, energies should instead have been put into raising a university in Swindon. This would have brought with it with the opportunity of offering all ages local access to higher learning opportunities.

Rather than taking responsibility for their failings, the present Conservative administration have decided to blame everything going wrong in our town on our Labour Government. Choices were made by the Conservative councillors, blaming others is not the way to act if they want to be responsible leaders of our council.

(Coun) FAY HOWARD

Labour Lead member for Education

Risingham Mead

Westlea

Swindon