The September 5 edition of the Evening Advertiser was of special interest to me because of the stories and letters regarding Uffington, Barbury and the Mechanics' Institute.
I have to agree that the act of vandalism at Uffington is an absolute disgrace, and the perpetrators should should be punished to the full extent of the law. However, I find it difficult to believe that any organisation that purports to respect the countryside, its heritage, its treasures and its resources would do this for a publicity stunt. If they have, then in my opinion it will lose them support rather than increase it.
Having said that, the Advertiser seems to be backing the council on its plans to 'vandalise' Barbury Castle with its support in an editorial for the council's aims to change the site from agricultural to business (read industrial) usage. This would prevent livestock from keeping the site in its natural condition as it has for countless years.
Barbury Castle isn't broken, so please don't try to fix it; just maintain the facilities that are there at present and allow it to retain its character, atmosphere and habitat.
Finally, it is good to see that the council is preparing to spend some money on the Mechanics' Institute, to prevent it from crumbling into nothing. Swindon needs a new library building, so why not use the Mechanics' Institute?
Mathew Koelz
Bradenham Road
Grange Park
Swindon
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