Anonymity is granted only at the discretion of the editor, who also reserves the right to edit letters.

David Renard gives a diplomatic account of the action Swindon Borough Council will be taking to help prevent problem parking, “David Renard’s column” (SA June28).

He describes the “all too common nuisance” caused by drivers who park their vehicles over other people’s dropped kerbs and driveways and says, “While this may seem like quite a small issue in the grand scheme of things, it does actually affect many people. Understandably, many of you write to us as ward councillors to complain when this happens.”

He is 100 per cent correct. This antisocial behaviour can be especially problematic in locations which experience high levels of peak-time activity. Apart from preventing freedom of movement it can restrict access for carers and emergency services who need to visit vulnerable people.

I have noticed there are certain drivers who are habitual offenders. I have seen certain vehicles, which have parked across my dropped kerb, parked at other locations on double yellow lines and in disabled bays while failing to display a blue badge. This is a clear demonstration of these people’s disregard for regulations and special requirements of others. It also gives a clear indication that enforcement of legislation is not as robust as it should be.

Coun Renard hits the nail on the head when he says, “Above all, such disregard for the needs of other people just generates an atmosphere of selfishness and unneighbourly behaviour.”

There are other antisocial activities which fit this description equally well such as, cycling on pavements, parking on pavements and littering.

I believe by combating bad parking Swindon Borough Council is taking a step in the right direction. It is action which addresses a basic requirement. I suggest a proactive policy to tackle other antisocial activities would help to improve the safety, aesthetics and the desirability of the borough.

Why not dispel negative behaviour, concentrate on improving positive behaviour and promote Swindon as a place which “Cares about people who care”? A systematic approach to tackle antisocial activities would help to create a much better place to live and work.

K Kane, Wharf Road, Wroughton

I’m a cyclist who enjoys riding across Swindon and around the surrounding countryside. It’s a great way to get out and about and has both health and environmental benefits. I’d definately recommend it to anyone especially with the numerous cycle paths that we now have crisis crossing the town.

Like everyone else I use footpaths to walk on. But, there is one thing that really annoys me and I’m sick to death of it, is people cycling on pavements.

I’ve lost count of the number of times a bike has gone past me. I tell them, in a polite manner, that they shouldn’t be doing it but rather should be on the road instead. Some of the abuse I’ve received back has been absolutely appalling. Without doubt the numbers are increasing and it has to stop. I’ve had knee and hip replacement surgery, so the last thing I, or anybody else, would want is to be hit and injured by a cyclist on a path.

The other day I was walking down the underpass near Covingham Square when I was nearly hit by a cyclist coming the other way. I could not belive how anyone, with an ounce of intelligence, would do such a thing. It was a selfish crazy act and when I told the individual concerned he looked at me in amazement.

It’s bad enough being a pedestrian trying to cross the road without also having to avoid cyclists on pavements too. It’s illegal. But, more importantly you are putting pedestrians in DANGER.

So, if you’re a cyclist who rides on the pavement, please STOP IT NOW before someone gets seriously injured or even killed.

Alan Wilson, Shapwick Close, Nythe, Swindon

I see that there is now talk about ‘Water Shortages’ and ‘Hosepipe Bans’ in certain areas and, as far as I understand, there is enough water, but the ‘Water Treatment Centres’ find it difficult to cope with ‘Usage’! If there were real problems with ‘Water Shortages’, why aren’t the Water Companies up in arms when massive amounts of new houses are contemplated? The massive amount of houses around Swindon etc, must have a huge effect on the water distribution facility to all of those extra properties.

On that basis, plus the fact that I pay Water Rates, I see no need to limit my usage, even with a hosepipe, unless the Water Company offer me a reduction of rates for ‘A reduction in usage’ due to the situation at the time.

Chris Gleed, Proud Close, Purton