HAVING read in the Evening Advertiser Coun Mike Bawden is rather keen to compulsorily purchase the Corn Exchange, what is the track record of the council on compulsory purchase orders?

Newport Street, which was once admired by Queen Mary, had one side demolished for road widening.

In Marlborough Road the Shoulder of Mutton and The Masons Arms were demolished for road widening and the land left is now filled with an ugly office block.

Most of the interesting 19th century houses in the centre of Swindon have been demolished and replaced with many ugly buildings.

What is the track record of the council regarding its unique buildings?

The Lawn Mansion and the lodge have been demolished and the Italian garden is practically non-existent.

The council wanted to demolish the town hall in Regent Circus, as it is the window frames badly need painting.

Lydiard House is expensive to maintain and the council applies for finance from outside organisations.

A lot of work was done to the Arts Centre, in Devizes Road, but there was not enough money to complete the furnishing in the auditorium and letters went out to members of the public asking for donations.

Donations were also required for repairs to the bandstand in the Town Gardens.

The offer of the Mechanics Institute was declined by the council years ago.

The Mechanics' Institute was always the scene of great activity. It had its own repertory company, and there were flower shows, handicraft exhibitions and dinners and election meetings held here, all of which my family fully supported.

Whenever anything for the benefit of residents to Swindon is suggested the council always moans about lack of money.

After consistently turning down Mr Mackenzie's planning applications for the Corn Exchange, thus causing the building to deteriorate more and more over the years, why is the council so keen to compulsorily purchase it, when it would be short of money to restore it?

What are your plans for the Corn Exchange, Coun Bawden?

M JOHNSTON

Old Town,Swindon