THE letter from Labour's Coun Maurice Fanning May 19 under the heading "This is a Green lung on people's doorstep," is another poignant demonstration of the hypocrisy, double-talk and misdirection practised by certain local politicians.

In this letter Coun Fanning claims to have impeccable green credentials, but fails to recognise the sheer destruction of the natural environment that he and his Labour Group colleagues have been responsible for in and around Swindon.

The Labour Group were in full control of Swindon Borough Council for two decades, during which they ruthlessly destroyed numerous trees, ripped up long established hedgerows, converted vast areas of open green countryside into concrete, brick and tarmac and consequently destroyed precious wildlife habitats.

However, the planning of the infrastructure and transport strategy that accompanied this destruction/development was absolutely abysmal.

This severe failing has resulted in excessive traffic jams during the rush hours, which apart from wasting time continue to the deteriorating health of local residents and wildlife by pumping ever increasing amounts of toxins into the atmosphere.

Before Coun Fanning starts blowing his own trumpet I suggest that he considers all aspects of his and his colleagues appalling record on preserving and protecting our local environment. Thanks to them Swindon's green lungs now need the kiss of life.

K KANE

Wroughton