LOCAL taxpayers, still reeling from this year's 15 per cent tax increase, are now informed that a cock-up in the Swindon Borough Council planning department has lumbered them with a bill for £120,000.

Coun Mike Bawden, speaking on television, confirmed that this money will be made available from council reserves. So that's all right then!

Will council taxpayers be called upon to finance the efforts of our local firemen to save the Locarno, one of the few remaining buildings of historical interest in Swindon?

Should not this bill be presented to the owner?

FRANK AVENELL

Swindon