THE early reaction to the plans for the Mechanics' Institute has not been overwhelmingly pos-itive, to say the least.

Owner Mathew Singh last week revealed how the building would look, should his scheme go ahead behind the original institute sits a gleaming glass structure which would become a central part of the hotel, a health and fitness club, flats and a restaurant.

Like it or not, there's no doubting that it's a bold plan. While some see the proposed addition in a similar vein to Prince Charles' famous putdown of London's National Gallery extension a monstrous carbuncle others, including Mr Singh himself, obviously, are more supportive.

It's at times like this when we need to remind ourselves that the planning laws, dry though they occasionally are, are here for a purpose.

Swindon Council's planning committee will look at the proposals next year. Anyone who feels strongly about Mr Singh's ideas has the right, if not the obligation, to have their say.

And as the Mechanics' was originally built for the good of the people of Swindon in past times, it's appropriate it should be today's people who help shape its future.