It is very rare to come away from a meeting that has been inspiring and uplifting.

The meeting at the college on Saturday, November 4, organised by the Mechanics Trust, achieved that magic formula.

The main speakers were excellent. The audience contributed wholeheartedly. It was a most enjoyable day that was both informative, constructive and free from any negative discord.

In response to the vision for accessible entertainment day and night in the town centre, may I share my concerns for senior citizens.

At this moment in time, more than a quarter of the population is already over 60. That percentage is scheduled to increase. The safety aspect is absolutely crucial if people who are at this moment in their 30s and 40s are going to feel safe and secure in 30 years time.

Violence and mugging is an escalating fact of life, and most amongst us would not dream of walking the streets alone after dark.

I am, of course, referring to the plans envisaged for 2030, where people of every age are invited to walk, relax, converse, participate and become involved in an exciting open plaza that is accessible day and night. For ultimate success, the safety aspect is absolutely paramount.

The firms and large businesses that choose to relocate to our town would seem to contribute precious little. They readily take, but they are extremely short on input.

Consequently our town is not reaping the enhanced quality of life which it so richly deserves.

Many firms move to other areas after a few years, so they never bother to become involved.

In conclusion, I do not consider my beloved Swindon to be aesthetically beautiful. I do feel, however, that it is strategically placed to be a thriving centre of excellence from which to visit all the surrounding areas of natural beauty and places of historic interest.

It seems to me to be far more realistic to market our town as a splendid central base from which to explore.

It is the genuine love and caring of people that ultimately creates the throbbing heart of a community, not the outer shell.

I would not, otherwise, have returned to Swindon twice in my lifetime's experience of 46 places to adopt this town as my permanent home.

MARY RATCLIFFE

Old Town, Swindon