As a town councillor, I am well aware that much has been written and said about the future of a Tourist Information Centre (TIC) in Marlborough.

I am also well aware that decisions were made by Kennet District Council to close the George Lane TIC in an inappropriate and poorly-timed fashion without consultation.

The fact remains though that Marlborough needs a TIC.

I am informed that there is a proposal from Kennet and Wiltshire County Council to provide a short- term solution by Easter, and possibly as early as April 1. The intention is to use the short-term solution as an opportunity to learn what would be most appropriate for the longer term.

Would it not be sensible for us on the town council to also engage in constructive dialogue as partners, in the hope of working towards a mutually acceptable solution? What is to be gained by letting egos prevail over common sense? If our town council continues to work in isolation, I believe the losers will be the tax payers.

What kind of arrogance is it that puts forward a proposal to close toilets that are well-used in our High Street, in favour of providing a town council-sponsored TIC instead? The rough plans show a cost of over £100,000 (inclusive of VAT) without taking into account any of the environmental or Health and Safety issues. Indeed the working party set up to look at this went as far as to suggest in their minutes that a 'self-cleaning' toilet could be provided outside, beside the existing location!

How impressive and well-thought through that idea is, suggested by people who would normally protest about scarring a conservation area.

If this madness is allowed to proceed it is a certainty that we will be at least two years away from having a TIC, and the council tax payers will have been the sponsors.

It may have been badly handled to date, but what is to be gained from wasting so much of the tax payers' money in addition? If the town council wishes to spend £100,000 of public money on something worthwhile, perhaps they should look to some of the more pressing issues in our town.

The east ward of Marlborough is identified as the third most deprived in Kennet. If we want to work as an effective town council that has the interests of its community at heart, then we should be actively exploring ways of spending £100,000 on ways to improve facilities for those who need it. Let us focus on re-engaging the people, in order to serve them in ways that they can identify with.

Coun Richard Allen

Marlborough