"THE Conservative Party of the '80s was efficient but heartless and now is the time for the party to acknowledge our obligations to the vulnerable in our society.

These people often have quite complicated problems, drugs, petty crimes, a poor education, a broken family etc.

The conventional Welfare State is often incapable of the sort of intervention that can help them. I believe this is where the voluntary sector comes in. Often they are more effective because of their distinct ethos.''

Who recently said these words? MP David Willetts the Conservative Shadow Minister for Work and Pensions.

I appeal to the Conservative administration of Swindon Council to heed the words and carry on investing in the voluntary sector and not reducing it, as the proposed cut of £252,000 would achieve.

D BENFIELD

Covingham

Swindon