THERE is an old saying that the only way to avoid criticism is to do nothing; actions only invite complaint.

The recent coverage of InSwindon’s scheme to make vacant shops in Bridge Street look more attractive with artwork and witty names is a case in point (Advertiser, 11th July).

Personally, I think the dummy shops idea is a good one. All shopping centres will have vacancies, and projects like this are proven to give people a positive impression of an area that previously looked run-down. Some of the pun-based names are quite amusing, such as Vinyl Tap.

I was intrigued to see the article talked of opinion being divided yet it quoted five people in favour and only one against it.

Now, I may be a politician, but I think I can safely speak for all 56 of my colleagues on the Council when I say that if we ever had 83 per cent for and only 17 per cent against, we’d call that a landslide in favour. (For the record, only two councillors have achieved a similar share of the vote here - Derek Benfield in 1999 and the late Doreen Dart in 2006.) We also received royal approval this week for another improvement, with a visit by HRH the Duchess of Cornwall to the Wiltshire and Berkshire Canal Trust to preside over the inauguration of the new landing stage at Waitrose at Wichelstowe.

As part of the visit, the Duchess enjoyed her journey from Kingshill to Waitrose on the Dragonfly narrowboat.

I would like to pay tribute to the huge amount of work undertaken by the Wilts and Berks canal trust members to make this possible.

What some people may not appreciate is the huge amount of physical work they undertook to restore the canal for many people to enjoy.

The Canal Trust is yet another example of the strong community spirit that exists in Swindon.

It is impossible for me in such a few words to cover the enormous scope of all the different groups and the work they do. All these groups with their various social, charitable, sporting, and cultural endeavours make life here far richer for all of us.

At a time when government and local government have to refocus their efforts, I believe we are creating space and opportunity for traditional community and volunteer-based activity to thrive.

Everyone is capable of making a positive difference to his or her community, and I encourage everyone to get involved.