I REFER to the report in the Evening Advertiser on December 6 concerning Swindon Council and titled 'Council dismisses gagging concerns'.

It was stated that the draft media guidelines approved by the council's committee said: "Quotes from elected members will be expected to positively promote the council's policy."

When it is carefully considered what Swindon Council's policy has been over the past few years, it doesn't take a genius to realise that it has been totally detrimental to the majority of its citizens.

The town's residents have had to contend with:

n The closure of schools.

n Extremely poor educational standards as outlined by Ofsted.

n Severe cutbacks to Social Services.

n The cheating of the town's pensioners out of their full concessionary travel allowance.

n Roads and footpaths that are worn, damaged and not repaired.

n Rampant weed and grass growth unattended to.

n An abysmal service from the housing benefit system.

n Appalling traffic congestion.

n Disgusting public toilets.

n Closure of children's play areas

To rub salt into the wounds the council tax has been progressively increased year after year.

It is the duty of any right minded and caring councillor to speak out against these injustices, and they should not be gagged and prevented from doing so.

Recently we have witnessed the disgraceful treatment of Elizabeth Filkin, the parliamentary "sleaze-buster", who was forced out of her job for doing it too well.

It seems to me as if dangerous precedents are being set in this country on both a national and local level.

Anyone that is committed to doing a decent job and ensuring fair play is frowned upon and victimised while "yes men/women" are welcomed with open arms.

This country spent six years during the last world war fighting fascism, defending democracy and freedom of speech at the cost of many lives.

Democratically elected councillors should not be gagged and prevented from voicing their opinions.

MRS E FELL

Ellington Road

Wroughton