THERE have been several recent articles about the lack of consultation between Swindon and Wootton Bassett on future major road or housing expansion plans that could affect our town.

In particular, comments made by Peter Doyle, Wootton Bassett town and North Wiltshire district councillor, with which I fully agree.

In response, comments were made by Swindon councillor Barrie Thompson to the effect that this is a storm in a teacup and we should wait until more substantial details are published.

However, his comments regarding the recent Wootton Bassett Town Council vote of no confidence "won't have much effect on Swindon Council or the county council" reflects the true attitude.

Many readers will remember the last consultation about proposed developments of up to 15,000 houses somwhere around Swindon, which was designed so answers sent in by the public favoured certain sites which included our town area.

A following seminar in Swindon, which I attended also, tried to push those attending towards the same locations.

And the consultation process Swindon involved us in over the proposed park and ride situated on the Wootton Bassett side of Junction 16, forcing many potential users to travel right around the roundabout back on themselves, showed there certainly was a problem with communication.

The irony is that the market town of Wootton Bassett thrives because of Swindon, because many people working in Swindon enjoy living close by.

Any major infrastructure or residential developments that would dramatically alter our town and surrounding area would have a negative knock-on effect to Swindon's future.

So what's the harm in Swindon making an extra effort to liaise with us.

We won't bite the hand of friendship, but equally we won't go away.

JOHN ALLEN

Wootton Bassett town councillor

Templars Firs

Wootton Bassett