Once again the council tightens its belt and threatens voluntary groups in the town by reducing the grants paid to them.

If anything, these grants should be increased because of the fantastic work they do for people by helping those with personal problems overcome them, and by assisting others to cut through the bureaucratic nightmare they find themselves in when trying to complete the mountain of confusing forms they face when applying for any sort of benefit.

Instead of threats of closure, which demoralises the workers in these centres, praise should be heaped upon all the staff who work in advice centres in the town, whether funded by the council or not.

It's just a thought, but I don't suppose the council would consider cutting the amount it pays its top echelon by £186,000 a year, or imposing a wage freeze on itself to cover this amount what do you think?

Having first hand experience of one particular advice centre, I can vouch for how valuable they are and how much they are needed by the people of this town.

Roger Hawkins

Hawker Road

Eldene

Swindon