IT would seem the die is now cast and the land to the south of the site of Princess Margaret Hospital is to be developed.

This area amounting to some 750 acres must rank as one of the largest of its kind in the country.

If the Swindon Town FC ground is to be relocated here, this will free off another parcel of development land quite possibly absorbing the Shrivenham Road recreation ground in the wake of the old Wills Sports Ground.

There seems to be no end to the avariciousness of those who pore over maps to see what can be gobbled up next, Farmland, sports fields and allotments must all be under threat.

All however must not be completely lost to bricks and tarmac. The blank statement that development will include community facilities' ought to become an urgent priority for agitation and action.

Goodness knows we now have nothing like sufficient indoor and outdoor facilities for our population, especially the young one of the causative reasons for so many problems in our communities.

If we are to have a new Town football ground, then let us have a sports academy with comprehensive indoor and outdoor facilities.

The terrain will provide ample space for youngsters to develop their skills on mountain bikes and skateboards. Here is unique opportunity to construct a dry ski slope down from Okus a slope which should be retained and operated by the borough in like manner to the golf complex and equally beneficial to tax-payers.

This could be one of the longest and finest in the country, a breeding ground for a new generation of skiers and perhaps champions at that.

Decisions made on the wise use of this land will remain with Swindonians for generations.

For goodness sake, or rather for the sakes of our young people, let us get it right.

MACDONALD COVENTRY

High Street

Wootton Bassett