I cannot say I am surprised that Swindon was not granted city status yet again! When you consider the amount of shops that are closed not only in the town centre but also the Old Town area. Also the lack of entertainment facilities within these two areas unless you call the numerous pubs entertainment.

The council is trying to discourage the use of cars in the centre of Swindon by putting in more traffic lights, bus lanes, hiking up the cost of car parking, etc yet if you want to visit the cinema you either have to use the car or public transport. With the ever rising crime rate in Swindon, I would be loathe to wait for a taxi or bus, fearing for my safety especially if I was alone. I just wonder, exactly how much of 15 per cent increase in council tax will be going towards the work undertaken by the council in their respective bids for city status? Also how much did the banners cost that the council were proposing to put around the town and who, exactly, will be paying for them. Perhaps this is why the council is already in the red when they prefer to concentrate on Swindon becoming a city instead of making it a great town first(which was what it once was).

So come on Mr Mayor and the Swindon Borough Council, concentrate on looking after our senior citizens especially those waiting for residential or nursing home care, bring in business into the centre of town and not just concentrate on the outlying districts and make Swindon a town to be proud of then go for city status in the future!

(Miss) Sandie Rule

Eastcott Hill

Swindon