WITH reference to the outrageous increase in council tax being imposed on us by the council, I have a few questions that I would like the answers to and your readers' comments (I have copied this to Councillor Small).

I notice that the council intends to spend more on street cleaning. I trust that street cleaning also includes car parks and that the council will include the litter- and condom-strewn car park at Stratton Wood, which is part of the Woodland Trust. Or will it be left up to the parish council to use their budget? Maybe the parish council could erect a barrier that is locked at dusk and reopened at dawn, as, having driven past during the evening this winter, there are very often cars in there in pitch dark. I don't think they are walking their dogs.

Last week while walking my dog in Lawns Wood I came across two council workmen who were litter picking and to say it was selective would be an understatement.

Secondly, why are we bothering with an art gallery, especially at the bottom end of town where nobody goes? We are subsidising Steam, so I have no doubt this will be another drain on limited resources. Does anyone actually want an art gallery? Will there be displays by local artists or are we going really retro and having a scruffy bedroom or a statue with ropes tied round it?

As to Steam, it has been mentioned time and again that people do not know it is here. There are a few pathetic road signs pointing in the general direction and some small signs at the outlet village. Why not advertise on local radio and TV, and possibly at the town's two cinemas.

There is much debate about parking on double yellow lines. In Reading the traffic wardens are issued with a vehicle in which they do not just concentrate on the town centre, but they get out into the suburbs. This would make the people of Stratton, Penhill, Pinehurst, Rodbourne, Gorse Hill and Walcot take notice. It would also pay for the vehicle in less than a year as well as stop this indiscriminate flouting of the law.

As you go ahead with an ugly clock in the parade and give yourselves enormous increases in your allowances, you may reflect on this letter and do something before the May 1 elections, as I sincerely hope you will not be able to afterwards.

B GRAFTON

Boundary Close

Swindon