Battle against airfield (From This Is Wiltshire)

I am not entirely surprised that Swindon Council’s scrutiny committee looked at Redlands Airfield, Wanborough and decided not to pursue it. If they had the gumption they would realise they would be opening up a huge can of worms.

Thousands of residents in Wanborough, Liddington, Ogbourne, Aldbourne, Covingham, Nythe, Liden and all the small neighbouring villages, are still badly affected by the noise generated by this airfield. The said owner should never have been given permanent planning permission.

The committee are disinclined to delve into the history of the conception of the airfield as the work entailed would be colossal but if it diligently opened up the files, unfortunately a pertinent file T98/0298 was conveniently “lost” and the original planning department have subsequently departed, they would prove that this airfield was a huge mistake.

The area has surreptitiously expanded since the origin of the airfield, therefore giving rise to many more residents being affected, thus the original thousand signatures on a petition would most likely double. This is a BIG issue that must be addressed.

Meanwhile the village divide widens and the ongoing battle continues to obtain a discontinuance of the airfield.

Margaret Greenwood Yonder Way Wanborough Swindon

Bands on song

Last year, I wrote to the Adver complaining that the band concerts in the Town Gardens had not been advertised in the paper. This year, I have no fault to find. The concerts are being advertised regularly and as a result are well attended.

My husband and I have attended all the concerts which have been very enjoyable. How fortunate we are to have the opportunity to sit in these beautiful gardens and listen to the good playing provided by the bands. We are able to get a cup of tea or an ice cream from the little tea house and the ladies there work very hard.

So a big thank you to our council for providing this amenity to brighten up a Sunday afternoon, at no charge, not forgetting a thank you to the tea ladies.

Marie Marsh Avonmead Swindon

Roads of Doh?

It was good to see notice given on various road resurfacing schemes in the public notice section in recent weeks. Obviously the roads noted need serious attention, many not before time. What I find a little curious is the method used to repair the ‘run of the mill’ holes.

It seems to be quite easy and quick to fill the offending, suspension crunching holes with what I believe might be Play-Doh. This magic mixture does the trick for sometimes as long as a week but then exits the hole as quick it entered.

I appreciate not every rut in every road can be repaired immediately and indeed some have now been completed to a standard that will last. The one thing in Play-Doh’s advantage is its wide range of colours....... black, and I imagine relatively cheap.

S A Fox Woollaton Close Grange Park Swindon

Adviser expense

When the expenses scandal was exposed and individual members claims were printed for all to see, David Cameron and George Osborne claimed for mortgage payments over a four year period which were between £80k and £90k each, (wouldn’t one call that housing benefit?) In the first year of the coalition 2010-11 they found a new expense for the taxpayer to pay, they claimed payment for skilled staff, their travelling expenses and subsistence. Cameron claimed £106k and Clegg £110k.

The Prime Minister published the bill for special advisors for 2011-12, it has risen by 25 percent, despite promises to reduce the number of advisors and pay salaries from party funds – there were 81 special advisors, SPADS , employed by ministers to give political advice on policies.

Clegg has 14 special advisors and his office has a SPADS bill of £900k. Cameron has 19 special advisors, his policy and polling advisor and his director of communications (once Andy Coulson) and are each paid £140k (and they moan about benefits).

Labour said the government failed to deliver its coalition agreement for a cap on special advisors whose pay ranges from £40k to £140k.

M J Warner Groundwell Road Swindon