IN response to Ian Ralph's 'Designs of the Times' article, (Monday, May 19 ), Swindon College is flattered that the college should be featured in an article which includes such 'leading edge' British companies.

We are also pleased that Ian recognises the college as the town's centre of learning and, with almost 300 students studying degree and pre-degree courses in design and related subjects, he is quite right to think that we are a centre for creative education.

We were, however, less than happy with his swingeing attack on our logo. We are delighted with our updated logo, intended to be evolutionary rather than revolutionary, and which was designed in-house by specialists with extensive commercial experience.

If logos help attract potential students then ours is certainly successful, with more than 18,000 students this year and applications up for next year by 15 per cent.

Even if we were unhappy with the design, we are a public sector body and the cost of appointing consultants to design and implement a logo would run into many thousands of pounds. I am sure the people of Swindon would prefer us to spend public money on quality teachers, support workers, books and computers.

We can only dream of corporate design budgets of the likes of Marks and Spencer and IBM and, therefore, the whole basis of the article does seem rather uneven. Where we differ to the other organisations is that our core purpose is education. student success will move the college forward, not a logo.

If Ian would like to offer his services to us free of charge, as a public service, then he is most welcome to get in touch with me. MICHAEL D HOPKINS

Principal

Swindon College