WITH reference to Derek Benfield's letter in the Evening Advertiser on April 8, concerning issues of Swindon Services and the new arrangements for the collection of refuse and recycled materials.

As Director of Swindon Services I can assure Mr Benfield that Councillor Tomlinson and I work hand in hand and it is not a question of good and bad news.

Secondly, with regard to the Link Centre, I would remind Mr Benfield that when he was a member of Swindon Council he, with other councillors, agreed to smoking being permitted in certain areas at the Link, Oasis, Broome Manor and other establishments.

The council has not altered this although maybe we should be looking to review this situation. I can assure him that staff at the Link are only acting on council policy.

J F SHORT

Director, Swindon Services