I WISH to respond to two letters (EA, February 2) concerning recent comment I have made in the paper.

Firstly in response to K Kane's letter. I do not dispute that Frank Avenell has worked for 50 years, but I rather expect that his reason, like so many other honest working people, was to pay the bills and keep a roof over his head and not for his country as stated. I also acknowledge that Frank played his part during our darkest hour and the vast majority of my generation are grateful to him and the many other service men and women who did their bit to save our country. However this does not automatically mean that everything he says is right.

The second letter from Robin Harris criticised Andy Harrison and myself for condemning the Tory administration for not making progress on the council's Recovery Plan. Firstly Andy Harrison was not a member of the council when we had our first inspection results. On the other hand Mike Bawden has been leader for 18 months and promised that last year would be the year of delivery.

K SMALL

Swindon