I FEEL I had to write this letter because I am hopping mad.

When the council decided to bring in the so-called Swindon Card it was said what a good idea it was. But having to pay £30 for a family when council tax has gone up nearly 15 per cent, there was no way I was going to pay that.

As we have three children who use leisure facilities, we bought them one each, total £6, thinking this would give them concessions. But the prices have gone up anyway, which seems a bit of a con.

Both our sons play golf, so on Sunday, March 9 I took them to Moredon golf course, thinking they would have to pay about £2 each, which was the previous price. But I was told that the price is now £3.90 because it was peak time, and off peak doesn't start until 1pm which was no good to us. I also found out that during the summer holidays off peak doesn't start until 4pm, whereas last year it was any time for £2.

Prices have also gone up for swimming, ice skating and football pitches all things which children want to use. I am now having to say no when they want to do these things.

By making these changes, don't you think that there will be more children causing vandalism, hanging around shopping centres and generally causing trouble? You can't expect a child to pay these prices out of pocket money.

Council tax seems to go up by about 10 per cent or more every year. Swindon is a relatively prosperous town with high employment and new employers moving into the town. Where is the money going, when inflation is much less than this and council services are being cut?

We are by no means rich, but my husband and I have not got Swindon Cards for ourselves we'd rather travel elsewhere for leisure facilities.

AMANDA COX

Highmoor Copse

Peatmoor, Swindon