I AGREE with Mr Eddy Shah - doing nothing with Lyneham is not an option. The most logical and cost effective use of the site would be to retain it as a working air facility, with dual civilian/military use. This is a commonplace arrangement around the world, and benefits all concerned - the military would continue to have access to a strategically valuable site, while the civilian element would be available to commercial airlines (probably the low-cost operators initially) and private light aircraft - through this, Swindon would have a truly local air hub of its own, and in addition to all this the local community would retain the many support jobs associated with the base.

Some surplus space on site could be used for selected elements of the developments already suggested where those tie in with this proposal, thereby reaping many of the benefits already claimed for those options, while simultaneously benefiting from retention of the bases infrastructure. It would take relatively little in the way of funds or effort to bring about the essential elements this transformation.

It seems desperately short-sighted not to see that a local air hub will serve the area in so many beneficial ways - so to the powers-that-be I say don't throw away a ready made opportunity when it's there for the taking!

DOUGLAS JACOBS Eastrop Highworth Swindon