SUE Bates blames the last Conservative government for Swindon Council's current financial difficulties (Evening Advertiser, December 13). This crude argument overlooks two crucial factors.

First, Labour has been in government for nearly five years. This is ample time to help Swindon fund its essential services. Little such help is forthcoming.

Second, Labour controlled the local council for over 20 years prior to September. This was ample time to manage competently any funding the council did receive and thereby direct sufficient resources to essential services. Little such management was forthcoming.

To explain the council's problems, therefore, Ms Bates should reflect on the miserliness of the Labour Government and the incompetence of her Labour administration.

LAURA HOLIDAY

Campion Gate

Grange Park

West Swindon