JUSTIN Tomlinson might spare himself further horror (Letters, EA Jan 25) if he came to terms with reality.

He tries to blame the Labour Government for all the efforts they have made to make sure the people of Swindon get a better deal from the council that he and his colleagues run.

What he regards as a burden imposed on helpless Tory councillors by central government, I regard as an effort to ensure that those councillors do a better job in delivering services for the people of Swindon.

Instead of blaming central government, Justin Tomlinson would do better devoting his formidable energy to enquiring why, years after he and his colleagues promised to transform the performance of Swindon Council and after all the money which he concedes the Labour Government has poured into the town, it remains one of the worst in the country.

MICHAEL WILLS, MP North Swindon