Your Saturday edition published a double page of Swindon heroes written by Shirley Mathias.

I would like to take issue on one point she made. As one of Frank Avenell's ward councillors, I do not consider him a thorn in my side.

He speaks with knowledge when writing to you and is not afraid to say what he thinks on a variety of local issues. Yes, he is rightly recognised as being the champion of pensioners' causes.

Frank regularly phones me to ask my opinion or seek support on an issue to do with policy and he often asks pertinent questions at council meetings. He is not afraid to put any of us on the spot, neither is he willing to accept, without question, why I voted in a certain way on a matter that will affect local people.

Frank keeps his three ward councillors on their toes so that we do not become complacent. It is a pity all the wards don't have their own Frank Avenell as one of their electorate.

Anne Baxter

The Mall

Swindon