WITH 87 per cent of all the new housing in Kennet scheduled to be built in Devizes, perhaps the new councillors, especially those representing the Guardians, will redouble the efforts of the past members in seeing that the townspeople's views are more fairly represented in the corridors of power.

Congestion, schooling, parking, law courts and health are all very real concerns.

Why was the growth of Kennet planned in the main to be in Devizes?

Was it just because the sites available were flat, unlike Marlborough?

Or was it also because the basic needs of the population were in place and could be extended and developed in concert with the town's growth?

While they are not directly responsible for the hospital's future, the growth of Devizes must be seen by senior officers and councillors to be fair to the existing population while also being an attraction to those looking to move into the area.

Also, it must provide everybody with infrastructure a whole lot better than is at present the case.

Some years ago, I sent a letter to your paper that simply asked the question, "Wouldn't it be ironic if the NHS had its grand new offices in Devizes, complete with copper roof and then closed our hospital?" How prophetic!

Is there any chance that the different sets of bureaucrats involved could consult with one another?

Finally, if Marlborough's growth is to be so severely restricted, why decide to develop the services at Savernake Hospital? Has the world gone mad?

ROGER STRATTON

Devizes