YOUR report (EA, May 4) which informs visitors to the Town Gardens that the toilets have been closed for an indefinite period due to the activities of drug users reinforces my long-held view that the raison d'etre of national and local governments is to create a society for deadbeats and layabouts.

With the advent of summer, visitors to our delightful Town Gardens wishing to spend a penny are advised by Geoff Lewis (director of Swindon Services) to repair to alternative facilities at the top of Victoria road in Old Town, which I consider to be a calculated insult.

A simple notice should be displayed at the entrance to these toilets, saying that anyone misusing them will be immediately arrested.

FRANK AVENELL

Beckhampton Street

Swindon