I WAS disappointed to read (EA, January 19) that Frank Avenell is claiming that the funding of public toilets, transport for the elderly to day care centres, community buildings, and support to the voluntary sector organisations like Age Concern, and Dial a Ride is a waste of financial resources, and their previous funding was based on incompetent decision making.

Many Swindon pensioners rely on these and other services, which are to be cut as part of the Tory administration's budget. They are not efficiency savings as he and the Tories claim but the cutting of important services that many sectors of our community depend on.

If he is a true Pensioners' Champion, he must condemn these cuts and seek a platform that represents the vast majority of Swindon's senior citizens and not just the few who support his anti-Labour agenda.

Coun K small

Rodbourne, Swindon