I JUST had to respond to Coun Nick Martin’s letter (February 2).

I feel very strongly that Mr Martin has unfairly stated that I had complained about the restoration of the County Ground Cricket Pavilion being carried out; this I most certainly did not do. In fact I was pleased that it had been done. My complaint was regarding in my letter (dated January 22) that direct labour at Swindon Commercial Services was available due to a shortage of work at a lower price before going out to a subcontractors. I had spoken to Mr Martin prior to my letter going into the Swindon Advertiser, informing him of the situation, and that the workforce had a shortage of work. We even spoke about the time-period when this work was carried out, and, again I told Mr Martin that there had, at that time, been a shortage of work. Mr Martin is correct in what he reports about the time period, but I am surprised that he stated (or had been told) that there was work available at that time for painters. I will continue to feel that it was unjust for this work to have been subcontracted, and I will continue to support the workforce for work to come their way, and to be fully employed - along with the right to save Swindon council taxpayers’ money when warranted.

ROGER AVERIES

Service Conditions Convenor

Swindon Commercial Services