Mrs Fell commented on Swindon Council's Halloween events, viewing them as examples of mismanagement.

In the past I have often agreed with the thrust of the "Fell writer from Wroughton", but on this occasion I would like to put her comments in context.

The cancellation of the Halloween party in Walcot was done on health and safety grounds. However the customers had every right to complain. Coun Ian Dobie, deputy leader of the council went on Radio Swindon to apologise and has offered reparation. Clearly as Ian acknowledged, the department responsible needs to improve its procedures and service.

The night at Lydiard Park however was a fabulous success. Its cost to the council was marginal, and it provided entertainment to more than 250 parents and children.

I was present at this event, and was proud of the working between officers from the Parks Ranger Service, the Museum Service, and members of the Sixth Sense Drama Group.

At £1 per child, the 180 scary children accompanied by ghostly parents had a spooky time visiting haunted gardens and listening to ghost stories. Lydiard involved staff from different departments at marginal cost, putting on a very enjoyable event for hundreds of local people.

Nick Martin

Lead Member for Recovery and Best Value, Councillor for Shaw and Nine Elms