I find myself once again dismayed at the apathy towards skaters in this town.

I am outraged to find that a council meeting has been held concerning a small area within Haydonleigh School for an all- weather kick about and a small site for skating a meeting that I as a local resident didn't even know was being held.

I am sure that I am not alone and that there are other parents who would have liked to have been there to support the skaters in order to paint a fairer picture.

The proposed site, which will only contain three basic skate features, will no way solve the problem for skaters of Haydon Wick, let alone Swindon. However it will provide a safer environment for the younger children who are too young to skate the car parks, but are skating on the roads outside their homes.

I say well done to Haydonleigh School, the parish council and Asda Wal-mart, for their forward thinking and consideration towards these children.

I think it is outrageous that a store like Safeway has allowed a petition to be set up to protest about this site.

Complaining is a very easy option, if people take the time to get to know these kids they are a great bunch, who just want to skate with no hassle.

Life is so pressured today, childhood so short, conversation and socialising is often behind a TV screen. Yet here we have a dedicated group, who want to be out in the fresh air, keeping themselves active and fit and out of trouble. Yet time and time again this town is failing to support them.

We can't have it all ways, complaints if they are on the streets and complaints every time someone tries to solve the problem.

Skateboarders, BMX riders and bladers are not going to go away, they need our support now.

We have set up a web site to support Swindon skaters so take a look at: www.supportswindon. fsnet. co.uk

COLLEEN SMITH

Haydon Wick