WITH reference to Ms Cox's letter (March 19) and subsequent article, I confirm that there are off peak and peak times that are applied to customers who use our golf facilities. These times were implemented after much consideration. Their aim is to make the best use of our golf facilities while allowing the opportunity for play at lower prices at times when the courses are not so busy, and recognising that these times are more convenient for youngsters and senior citizens, for example, during the school holidays.

I can confirm that the times are:

n Off peak (concession £2.20 Moredon): Summer, Monday-Friday opening until 5pm; Saturday and Sunday opening 4pm till close; Winter: Monday-Friday opening until 5pm; Saturday and Sunday 1pm till close.

n Peak: All other times.

So the only times that concession 1 holders are charged £3.90 as opposed to £2.20 is weekdays from 5pm and Saturdays and Sundays until 4pm. In the case of your three sons, there is ample time to play at £2.20 per round at Moredon during the summer holidays in particular.

As far as swimming is concerned, these prices remain competitive and have in the case of Oasis been reduced; ice-skating has been increased by five per cent and will hold until April 1, 2004.

In respect of your comments concerning council tax, as director of Swindon Services I am aware that the council continues to invest heavily into the key services of Education and Social Services in particular. The council continues to endeavour to improve these services and requires additional resources to achieve this. Finally, I hope that you now feel your family can continue to enjoy golf in Swindon.

J F Short

Director, Swindon Services

Great Western Way

Swindon