I read with interest the front page October 17, Now We're Motoring On Gas, which shows council leader Sue Bates once again jumping on the environment bandwagon.

Whilst converting the council's vehicles to run off gas may be regarded as a step in the right direction, it is hardly a cure for the serious environmental problems which exist in Swindon. Liquefied petroleum gas is a fossil fuel. It will still cause pollution (at reduced levels) and will still contribute to the greenhouse effect.

Swindon Borough Council is failing to address the real problem which is causing pollution in the town.

For many years Swindon has been allowed to expand with ever increasing numbers of houses and industrial units, but the road infrastructure has failed to keep pace with the ever rising levels of traffic created.

Vast areas of countryside (the lungs of our environment) have been destroyed for ever. Serious road congestion at times leading to gridlock, has been created, which leaves vehicles with engines idling and pumping out pollutants.

This in turn has resulted in excessive pollution levels which is poisoning residents and creating ill health. Businesses are also suffering as a consequence of the delays created. The article does however raise some interesting questions.

It was stated that by adopting this alternative form of energy the council will be saving a substantial sum of money. Will this saving be passed on to the council taxpayer and will we see a reduction in council tax next year?

Since Councillor Bates is once again professing to be an eco-warrior and saviour of Swindon's environment, is she now going to give a full, open and proper explanation on Shaw Tip?

Is she going to explain fully why in February she was also promoting this site as an environmental triumph for Swindon and then failed completely to say why a site described as a domestic tip is actually filled with industrial pollutants and asbestos?

Is Councillor Bates going to explain the council's proposals for dealing with this toxic disaster area and how it is to be made completely safe for the future generations?

I suggest that Swindon Borough Council forgets about publicity gaining gimmicks and gets on with the real issues which will improve the environment.

(Mrs) E FELL

Ellingdon Road

Wroughton

Swindon