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Help tackle speeding

AS a resident and campaigner for our road in regards of speed it was good to see your article about Drakes Way speed watch.

I’m well aware of the police cuts and lack of effort in tackling speeding along Swindon’s roads.

We have numerous meetings, emails, letters and phone calls between ourselves, police, local MPs and the area MP but to little effect. Gipsy Lane is one of the busiest roads in Swindon and it’s supposed to be 30mph but no-one adheres to that and the police are aware but are powerless to stop it.

Figures of 70mph in a 40mph area are bad enough (Drakes Way) but I have seen police speed figures for our road and it does not compare, one was 80mph in a 30mph zone!

So whoever these volunteers are, please help along Gipsy Lane, because after broken police promises we are still struggling with speed.

Even the local councillor ignores emails now, as he cannot help.

NEIL EDWARDS

Gipsy Lane

Swindon

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Don’t provide platform

I AM disgusted that Matt Holland should neither “approve or disapprove” of Ken Livingstone’s comments on Hitler and Nazi Germany and he feels it necessary to give him a platform to air his views further.

Surely he is being an apologist for this man by giving him a platform and not condemning his words?

After all, it was the people of Germany giving Hitler a platform to air his views that led to the Second World War and all those deaths.

Mr Holland no doubt would like to give ISIL a platform next.

Extremists of whatever political or religious persuasions should not be given a platform to promote such utter rubbish.

R DRAYTON

Highworth

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Danger for bowls clubs

BOWLS Clubs in Swindon and other areas which are subsidised by their local council are in danger of closing because, as the subsidy is being withdrawn, the rent will be tripled over the next three years.

Bowls greens are expensive to maintain, they need frequent cutting in the summer months and special treatments through the winter months. When they were laid down they were mostly in parks with nice borders with shrubs and roses which all need maintenance.

These clubs were set up in the 1920s together with a number of works clubs and formed a Swindon and District League initially for men but later for ladies also.

Some clubs in recent years have closed due to housing and commercial development reducing the League. If further closures are forced by the subsidy cuts the League will suffer accordingly.

The outdoor bowls season is just starting and we don’t want clubs to close so now is the time to join a club and get some fresh air and exercise and also the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.

Small clubs are often a good place to start learning about bowls and a warm welcome will be received. Many clubs have special offers, as we have, for new bowlers. Get in touch on 01793 771001.

JOYCE PHEBY

Swindon North End Bowls Club