We hear that our leisure centres, golf courses and playing fields are to be gifted away leaving future generations no control over what should have been a rich legacy, and losing control of Lydiard Mansion and park would be a massive insult to the people of Swindon.

I remember when Lydiard came onto the market in 1943 and it was initially saved by councillor, county councillor and former mayor and alderman, Mr F E Akers, a truly independent Independent, who funded his own campaigns; a man who was a great believer in public ownership and passionate about Swindon and its heritage.

The Bolingbroke family would not separate the mansion and park from the entire estate which put it beyond reach of the council, so Mr Akers went to the auction and bought the whole estate.

At that time, Mr Akers owned Wootton Bassett Saw Mills.

There were no restrictions on felling trees or demolishing historic buildings.

The park trees alone were worth more than the council paid. In fact it was a developer’s dream and worth a fortune.

Thanks to Mr Akers’ foresight and public spiritedness, he gave Swindon Council the opportunity to purchase the mansion and 150 acres of parkland for £4,500 – a mere fraction of its value and Murray John quickly accepted on behalf of the council.

Over the years, Lydiard turned into an oasis of peace, culture and leisure, loved by all ages.

Our precious, publicly owned places are now under threat of privatisation and we should all be questioning the caretakers of our heritage and their advisers.

Myra Hartshorn, Carlisle Avenue, Swindon