I MUST defend Calne Town Council against Mr Osborne's uncalled for and inaccurate attack on last week's letters page.

I wonder if he has ever attended any Calne Town Council meetings, or even read the minutes of those meetings.

If he had he would know that Calne Town Council is extremely proactive and effective.

Does he know, for example, that Calne Town Council:

Contributed £250,000 last year to assist in bringing forward the construction of the Northern Distributor Road by ten years.

Is close to completing negotiations for the purchase of 30 acres of much needed recreational land for the town.

Continues to assist the Calne Youth Trust to provide a youth drop-in centre to be opened shortly.

Is currently talking to young people in the town about the equipment and design of the proposed new skatepark.

Secured Bentley Wood as public amenity woodland when it was in danger of being sold for housing land.

Employs a street cleaner to assist the district council in keeping the streets of Calne clean.

Provides an information service in its offices which is a prime example of good practice.

Recently brought a live theatre production to Calne and intends to repeat this very successful event.

Are these the actions of what he terms an "ineffectual" town council I think not.

Mr Osbourne really should check his facts before going into print.

The 15 Calne Town Council elected members are extremely hard working, far-sighted and effective people and do not deserve to be taken to task by someone who plainly is not aware of what is happening in Calne.

I am also sure that many Calne residents would disagree with his contention Calne is not a vibrant place.

It may lack the retail capacity of other towns at present, but it is nevertheless a very vibrant place and one in which people enjoy living.

Perhaps Mr Osbourne should consider going to live in one of the other towns which he obviously admires.

Or he could stay in Calne and become as active as the town council in ensuring Calne gets the support it requires to become, once again, a very busy town.

Put up or shut up Mr Osbourne.

ANN KINGDON

Calne Town Clerk