I write in reply to Julian A Leggett's letter (22/03/04), in which he implies that the people of Swindon are expecting a good fairy to come to the rescue of the Mechanics' Institute.

In his letter Mr Leggett also suggests that the Evening Advertiser is responsible for scaremongering. It appears to me that Mr Leggett is far more guilty of scaremongering.

He informs us that the building is never going to be economically viable. He also warns us that the present owner, Matthew Singh, might leave if we don't let him do whatever he wishes to a Grade II* listed building.

The proposals for the building were being steam-rollered through the council planning committee without the required consent from English Heritage. I personally would not attempt to build an extension of any kind on my own home, yet alone a 10-storey one, without the necessary permits.

The people of Swindon did not 'scream in panic' at the mention of the plans. They did what was necessary to halt a seemingly undemocratic deal.

I didn't disagree with all of Mr Leggett's letter. He's absolutely right that Mathew Singh is not an altruistic do-gooder coming to Swindon to save the town's heritage. Mathew Singh merely wants to make a profit from the location of the building.

I cannot see how disfiguring the building to make yet another hotel or gym would be of any major benefit to the town.

I have traditional engineering skills, as do many other born and bred Swindonians. I also run a property maintenance service. I am willing to donate my time free of charge to physically restore the building and also provide entertainment to assist with the funding. I know I am not alone with my gestures because the likes of Martha Parry have been campaigning for the past decade.

The people of Swindon are awake and we have backbones, maybe the planning committee are asleep and haven't noticed us yet.

JASON REEVES

Dean Street