Not a diversion

The Phillips report on the BSE scandal and the disastrous legacy of rail privatisation have been national talking points this month.

It seemed entirely reasonable to make a contribution to these debates and to welcome the apologies from the Conservative MPs for the record of their Government.

Let me now deal with Mr Molland's claims about the Liberal Democrat administration in North Wiltshire.

His allegation that the council spent £34 million from capital reserves in a single year is utter nonsense and entirely without foundation.

It is just one of the Tory myths and smears which have been put about during and since the council budget debate.

It was a difficult budget process, largely because of the impact of falling interest rates on investment returns.

But it was a credit to the administration that spending could be increased on several projects without any wastage.

With regards to the new office building, he is wrong again. There will on current projections be savings to the taxpayer in the first two years.

Mr Molland conveniently ignores the fact that by bringing council services under one roof there will also be efficiency savings.

He describes the Calne town centre redevelopment as a "fiasco." As with many major building projects there have been cost overruns because of problems with cabling and local groundworks.

But the local community, including Mr Molland's Conservative colleagues in the town, unanimously welcomed the news that the project would go ahead.

The courage and determination of North Wiltshire District councillors has ensured that the rebirth of Calne Town Centre can become a reality.

Perhaps it is Mr Molland who is trying to divert attention.

I stand by my view that the BSE scandal and the now discredited privatisation of the rail network will be forever associated with the Tories' 18 years in office.

Hugh Pym

North Wiltshire

Liberal Democrats