I am sure a touch of irony was intended in your report on the recent fire at the Locarno site in Swindon’s Old Town (SA 12 April p5). How else to explain the comment “A sharp eyed passer by managed to prevent any serious damage to the Locarno by alerting fire crews to smoke coming from the building”.

I doubt there is anything left of the old Corn Exchange which is not ‘undamaged’ or which could be subjected to ‘serious damage’ – the outer walls of the once beautiful building are crumbling and may well fall before the much hyped plans to regenerate the area are realised. While the interior is a wildlife haven and home to various two legged creatures who use the shelter for their nefarious activities.

How different could things have been if the words of Coun Foley in 2007 had become a reality. Remember she said, “We can now look forward to work starting very soon on what is a fantastic scheme”. Seven years later no work and no scheme.

Des Morgan, Caraway Drive, Swindon