I AM writing as a member of that generation of Swindonians who left school on a Friday and entered the world of work the following Monday.

This was followed by up to 50 years employment which, in my case and no doubt many others, included seven years in the Armed Forces during WW2.

Consequently I have little sympathy with the proposal by Coun Shepherd that council tax payers should sign a three year blank cheque in order to fund voluntary groups (EA Jan 24).

Coun M Dickenson exposes one area (advice centres) where there is a high level of duplication resulting in waste of council taxpayers money. Swindon Council has promised to scrutinise all funding of voluntary organisations on a value for money basis.

Swindon Liberal Democrats continue to labour under the illusion that money grows on trees.

F Avenell

Swindon