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Enough is enough

I THINK it is time to take the gloves off. A multiple sex predator being released after eight years. The abuse of the National, not ‘International’ Health Service being used by people who have never put a penny into the system. Disgraceful financial sums sent out in in foreign aid. While we all work through charity for a radiotherapy unit at GWH.

Sir Nick Clegg? If ever a Prime Minister made a mistake, Theresa, this ranks as bad as your general election manifesto attack on the old and suffering, which enraged me with a wife suffering from advanced dementia. You will not give a surely deserved knighthood to Nigel Farage. Nor will you promote Jacob Rees Mogg to your cabinet. I wonder why.

Creepy Clegg lost the youth vote by his treachery regarding university fees. You lost the youth vote through lack of affordable housing. Then you make him a knight of the realm. Do you expect to get the youth vote back again after that blunder?

You are too frightened of genuine people who care about this country. I wrote a letter to these pages stating to give you a chance. I am now convinced that you had that that chance and have failed miserably on more than one issue.

BILL WILLIAMS, Merlin Way, Covingham

It’s called democracy

Steve Thompson (6 Dec) says that there was no majority for the leave campaign in the EU referendum.

I was a union shop steward and convenor and had to take decisions on a show of hands at union meetings.

It was the majority vote that carried the day. It’s called democracy. All union members followed the majority vote.

The leave side won because the EU is a dictatorship, and the British people do not want to be controlled by the EU.

All EU Treaties by definition pass sovereignty over to the EU and this has occurred over the last 44 years.

The British people do not want to live permanently under the thumb of the EU.

TERRY HAYWARD, Burnham Road, Swindon

Behind the times

So, Mrs May’s ‘assault’ on the manufacturers is at last to begin, some years late. However, media reports put the timescale at 25 years – an obvious error; surely 2.5 years? Oh I forgot, modern Britain, where everything takes up to 10 times longer than it should.

Also, when – particularly TV - media report distances, they do so in ‘metres’, along the M4 locally. The last time I drove along the M4, all distances appeared to be stated in miles. Silly old me.

RODNEY JM WIRDNAM, Whilestone Way, Swindon

A kind couple

On Wednesday 10th January I realised that I did not have my purse. I last used it at about 12.30pm at Wilco, Greenbridge, though on my return within the hour, it had not been handed in so I feared I had dropped it or it was stolen between the till point and returning to my car. I felt pretty devastated.

Imagine my amazement when I found that a couple had picked it up, found my identification and driven it across town to present it, intact at my home. My husband did thank the gentleman, but I did not have the chance, so I wish to do so through the Adver. I am so grateful for the safe return of my property and I am so pleased to be able to share such positive, life affirming news. Thank you most sincerely to the very kind lady and gent for what you did.

SUE HAMMOND, The Prinnels, Swindon

Bus lane misery

Am I the only one who thinks that bus lanes are a massive problem in our towns and cities?

The gridlock around our own Outlet Village is a perfect example. We pay billions a year in road tax and petrol tax to drive on the worst maintained roads in Europe. Then a massive bus sails past in a nice empty lane belching out fumes without a single passenger on it while we sit in an endless queue of traffic.

And what about the millions of pounds in fines dished out to motorists who stray into a bus lane accidentally? Penzance Drive near the Outlet Village is a prime example. Another is Polaris Way near Swindon College. My ex drove up there by accident a couple of years ago and there was a police car waiting! It’s obviously a lucrative hot spot. She was instantly pulled over and ended up with a fine and points on her licence.

Bus lanes are not useful for the majority of the population. They are busy in the morning and evening rush hours and that’s it. The rest of the time they are an idiotic waste of vital road space.

ROGER LACK, North Swindon

Get in the swim

Diabetes UK is looking for people from Swindon and beyond to take on the swimming challenge of the year, Swim22, between 22 February and 22 May.

As a Swim22 challenger you’ll swim an incredible 22 miles – the equivalent of crossing the English Channel – in your local pool, while making a difference with each and every splash. You can take on the swim challenge alone or, better still, get your family, friends and colleagues involved. You can even split the distance between a team to make it easier for everyone.

Swimming is a fantastic way to stay fit and healthy, have fun and set yourself a challenge. Whether you’re an absolute beginner or a seasoned swimmer, our team will be on hand to offer swimming tips and fundraising advice.

Every length you complete and every pound you raise will get us closer to our vision of a world where diabetes can do no harm.

To sign up, just visit www.diabetes.org.uk/swim22. There is no registration fee and no minimum sponsorship.

ANNIKA PALMER, South West Regional Head, Diabetes UK