With regard to the letter from Stuart Macpherson in the EA (January 27) regarding the University of Bath in Swindon.

When I arrived in Swindon in 1970 the project for the University of North Wessex on what became the Burmah site had just collapsed.

The council and officers were very downcast, but decided to keep trying for the long-term benefit of the town.

A scheme at Groundwell also failed to progress, as did one at the former RAF Hospital at Burderop.

Bath University has been interested in Swindon for years because of the difficulties of expanding in green belt land on the protected Bath city skyline.

Surely we are not going to fail again because of misplaced criticism from those opposed to all development or who are pursuing misguided policies of achieving town centre regeneration through the university being compelled to go there.

The reality is that Coate is perfect for the proposed development, for the reasons set out by the professor any attempt to force them elsewhere will probably lead to the loss of a long-term asset to Swindon.

DAVID M KENT

Leverton Gate