FOR many people, the Chippenham record office project is proof that the self-centred North Wiltshire group who dominate the county council cabinet are focusing on the interests of their own area to the exclusion of those in the rest of Wiltshire.

However there does appear to be a certain twisted logic behind their actions. The study of family history is the second most popular hobby in Britain after angling. Obviously the demands on the record office service were likely to continue to grow and thus become more costly. Therefore, the fact that the Chippenham site in inaccessible is a major plus. The service will not grow, and there will be less users and the council can cut back on staff and services.

I wonder how often the county council use this strategy in other areas?

D Colcomb

Devizes