I have followed with interest the recent media reports concerning a member of North Wiltshire District Council who was criticised for knitting whilst attending a council meeting.

I fully accept the member's statement that the therapeutic effect of knitting enabled her to concentrate on the issue being debated.

Even more admirable however, was the conduct of district councillors at the meeting held at Chippenham Town Hall on November 13.

Throughout the course of the meeting a number of members left the room only to return with cups of coffee and biscuits, or in one case apparently to make a call on a mobile telephone.

It is reassuring that, while Gerald Ford allegedly could not walk and chew gum at the same time, we are blessed with elected representatives who can follow a debate without even being in the council chamber.

R C WILLIAMS

Ashfield Road

Chippenham