I REFER to David Kent's letter in the EA, August 1. While I do not wish to comment on the generality, I must take issue on a matter of fact.

Mr Kent, who was not party to the transaction, stated that the Brunel shopping centre was sold at the bottom of the market. This was not the case.

The council was advised by a specialist firm of retail agents and the market was carefully researched. The disposal was specifically targeted at shopping centre developers and resulted in a sale to MEPC under extremely competitive conditions and at a price which met our expectations.

Westfield is now progressing a proposal to significantly update and improve the retail facilities in the centre of Swindon. This would not be happening now if the Council had not had the foresight to release this key asset to the market.

I hope that this sets the record straight.

IAN THOMPSON

Director of Resources

Swindon Borough Council

Civic Offices

Euclid Street

Swindon