OH Happy Day! Sanity has prevailed and the over-the-top proposal to convert the Locarno into a hotel has been thrown out. Let us hope that the thumbs down includes the proposal for a gigantic block of flats on the long stay car park which would have dwarfed the Locarno tower while at the same time being a monstrous eyesore in Old Town. It is to be hoped that the plans for a Georgian Square will go ahead.

All over the country, listed buildings such as the old Town Hall are viewed with dismay by councils who are reluctant to spend large sums of money on restoring and maintaining such buildings which end up being sold to owners who acquire them for a song and then just sit on them. Our beautiful building here in Old Town was set fire to twice but astonishingly survived.

If 25 years ago, councillors had demonstrated vision and drive by embarking on a plan which would restore this fine building to community use it would have become a beacon to other councils to follow suit and would be the sort of landmark that Old Town deserves. This building could house the Swindon Museum, Art Gallery and branch library. There would be space for a cafe/restaurant and some attractive shops. Look at what has been done with the old Corn Hall in Cirencester which continues to hold an antiques market once a week. It is a joy to be in Cirencester now as every bit of space has been used in a most aesthetically pleasing way and is a discerning shopper’s paradise.

Would that one could say the same of Old Town! Why should that not happen here too?

MALATHY SITARAM Little Court The Planks Swindon