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

No to Moonies lights

As a driver of some 55 years, who uses the Moonraker junction several times a week in all traffic conditions, traffic lights would be a disaster (SA April 13)

My experience is that 80 per cent of the time the present system works exceptionally well. It is the rush hours where the tailbacks occur.

May I suggest that the anonymous poll of local residents is fatally flawed.

Why? Because there appears to be no differentiation between drivers and non-drivers and that I believe would make a big difference.

Drivers look at traffic from a completely different perspective than that of non-drivers. Traffic flow could be greatly improved by widening the road between Chestnut Avenue and Whitworth Road and bringing the bus stop back behind the lights-controlled crossing, as appears to be the case on the small plan.

The key is the extra - third - inside left turning lane in to Whitworth Road rather than the present two lanes. Southbound, on the same stretch of road, the bus stop would be better moved further south, beyond the pedestrian controlled lights to allow cars from Beechcroft road more access.

I suggest that the Swindon Advertiser carry out a straw poll with the provision of driver/non-driver and perhaps the balance might be quite different.

Henry Smith, Peatmoor

Friendly mela

May I use your letters page to congratulate the organisers of the Swindon Boishakhi Mela down in Faringdon Road Park on Saturday.

I have been told that the turn out was over 4,000 - and that on a rather cold day.

We not only had the joy of seeing the children on stage showing their capabilities, but also some great traditional dancing as well.

It would appear that just about everybody that is someone in the town was present, and a great turn out by our local soldiers, policemen and women, firemen, etc, all letting the youngsters get their hands on things is a great way of communicating with the public at large.

It was wonderful to feel the friendliness of the place, with everyone mixing and talking together just as real friends do.

The show was in aid of the mayor’s chosen charities which this year I was told are Twigs, Swindon 105.5 radio, and the Harbour project.

May we see many more such events in the future and the Faringdon Road park is an ideal setting for such events - much better than the Town Gardens which is to small and harder to get to.

Roy Cartwright, Covingham

Time to talk dementia

I’m sure many of your readers will know of someone or are directly affected by dementia.In Swindon more than 2,200 people are living with the condition.

Despite almost all of us knowing someone affected, two-thirds of people living with dementia report feeling isolated and lonely.

Many people are worried about saying the wrong thing to someone with dementia, yet a friendly face or listening ear can make the world of difference. This Dementia Action Week (20 – 26 May) Alzheimer’s Society is encouraging everyone to take action by starting a conversation; whether it’s calling a relative with dementia or visiting a neighbour.

We understand it can be difficult to know what to say. But we’re here to provide tips on how you can start a conversation. To find out more about dementia and events taking place across Swindon visit alzheimers.org.uk/DAW

Marion Child, Alzheimer’s Society, Sanford House, Swindon