I was both surprised and disappointed by the recent personal attack on me by Coun Ray Parsons in the letters columns of the Gazette.

I was equally disappointed to hear that a number of my fellow members from Roundway Parish Council had complained that it appeared I was speaking as a councillor in my letter inquiring if a commercial way forward might be the answer to the desperately needed skateboard facility for the youngsters of Devizes.

Clearly, I am neither the spokesperson for Kennet District Council nor Roundway Parish Council and my letter was presenting my personal views as a resident, not as a member representing the views of either council, hence the brackets which were printed around the declaration.

However, I do serve the people of Roundway on both bodies and I have every intention of representing every resident I serve to the best of my ability and this will, on occasions involve bringing issues into the public arena in the most constructive ways possible.

Coun Parsons might do well to remember that far from being a whinger, I was, if my memory serves me correctly, the sole voice amongst previous representatives on the parish council who saw any merit in seeking closer ties with Devizes Town Council last time these issues were raised.

I continue to maintain that the residents of Roundway Parish should have a greater say on issues that affect the town we all live in.

A personal attack on me is surely not the way to raise the quality of the debate on either the issue of facilities for the town and parish nor will it go anywhere towards ensuring we have the effective representation we need for the people at all levels of local Government.

G Brewer

Devizes