The assertion by Jean Saunders of Friends of the Earth that Professor Breakwell's assurances that Coate Water will be protected from further development are 'pie in the sky' is an offensive comment about a respected academic vice-chancellors are not given to lying when speaking on behalf of their convocations.

Ms Saunders (who, it should be noted, does not live in the Borough of Swindon) clearly has her own agenda.

I too have an agenda shared by the vast majority of the people who do live in the borough: I welcome a splendid new hospital and look forward to the arrival of the University campus nearby. They will mutually benefit from each other and Swindon will benefit from both.

No one can underestimate the value to the future prospects of Swindon of a university. Unlike Ms Saunders, I hear widespread support for Bath University's plans. It is too big a prize to allow it to be frustrated by a minority.

STUART H MACPHERSON

Springfield Road