Iconic sites in limbo thanks to indecision

I wonder how many of today’s generation know where or what the Mechanics Institute is?

The three councillors say it was built as a place of education for rail workers to learn more about snooker, billiards, table tennis or chess at one end of the building, how to dance in the centre or go to the theatre in the centre, or get books from the library at the other end.

You went up three steps from the reading rooms to the dance hall, crossed the dance floor and up three more steps into the library.

At the moment, no one seems to know what they want. So for now the Mechanics joins the Corn Exchange building (the Locarno) in limbo.

And soon I expect the old Medical Fund complex will join them as I am sure a protest group will emerge when that comes on the market.

You don’t take a vintage car to a second hand dealer to get it tuned or renovated.

You go to an expert and explain what you’d like done if it’s possible, and leave it to him, not amateurs and what they think.

Then maybe Swindon will advance again instead of stagnating.

R Ashby Allington Road Swindon

A grateful mum

AS A mother of children that drive who worries when they are driving, I would like to thank very much the people that stopped and helped my son after he was involved in an accident through no fault of his own.

Thankfully he was not hurt but very shaken and shocked.

I am so grateful that you were all there to give my son your help.

I know there are a lot of bad things going on in this world and that is all you hear about so I just wanted the people of Swindon to hear about some of the good as well, and my son and myself are very thankful for the kindness of those Swindon people that stopped and helped.

Thank you again from one very grateful mother.

Jean Rees Boldrewood Swindon

No apologies

I can’t believe that J Adams expects an apology from me for daring to say that he had accused the queen of trying to grab millions of pounds allocated to pensioners. His words, not mine.

He must really hate the royal family. You would never convince him that they bring much more money to the country than they cost to run.

A Dempster Coronation Road Swindon

You’re so caring

A month ago I was discharged from the Great Western Hospital and as I live alone and had mobility issues due to the nature of my surgery, I needed help from Care in the Community ladies.

These marvellous ladies that go about their work, very much unrecognised angels, helped and assisted me with personal care, dressing, a cup of tea and always bright and cheery words and a smile. They deserve a huge thank you from a very grateful pensioner.

B James Meadowcroft Swindon

Girls on the ball

Once again, congratulations to the Ladies Swindon Town Under 14s Football Team.

They are really doing well and at last getting some attention. They deserve it.

Our granddaughter, Rhiannon Brown, plays in goal. It’s nice to see the youngsters interested in sport. It really cheered us up to see the team’s photo in the Adver.

Well done to all the girls, and parents who take them to the matches. Good luck for the future.

Margaret and Bill Brown Purton Road Swindon

Stacey must go

Stacey Solomon is in late pregnancy and still smoking cigarettes. Addicts are their own worst enemies.

Stacey was rightly contrite and ashamed when she was interviewed live on ITV’s Loose Women show, but it may already be too late to prevent irreversible harm coming to her unborn baby.

Stacey was popular on The X Factor and she was a worthy winner of I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here! However, like her fellow addict, Kerry Katona, Stacey must no longer be the face of Iceland foods. The wholesome girl-next-door illusion has been shattered.

Ms A Reeve Okus Road Swindon

Pull the other one

On reading about the recent Cameronesque Man-Of-The-People publicity stunt by Robert Buckland MP-cum-pub landlord, I prayed to the Gods of Fermentatia that the regulars of The Bakers Arms in Badbury were treated to a better standard of service than they have become accustomed to from a Member of Parliament.

I hoped the influence of a politician’s political day job wouldn’t taint the water (or Martini), but I couldn’t help my satirical smile at the possibility of a Minister for Pint-pulling attempting to short change customers, or appearing to listen whilst taking absolutely no notice; or shamelessly trying to get away with serving up half measures; or scraping the barrel and then trying to convince punters, in return for their hard earned pay, that they’ve never had it so good!

Miss G Eaving Covingham Swindon

We’re not equal

I read that the Conservative Member of Parliament for North Wiltshire is in favour of the Conservative and Liberal Democrat Government’s scheme to restrict out of work benefit entitlements to many people (Adver, March 7).

Your piece also quoted the Prime Minister as saying that work should be an alternative to life on “benefits”.

But spare a thought for the thousands of overpaid people such as some bankers in the private sector. And too many overpaid and unaccountable self-styled managers and 'directors' in many roles in local government and some other parts of our public sector.

Many of those people have elevated the principle of doing little effective work for high rewards into a high art. They have most certainly benefited at public expense and as an alternative to productive employment.

Let’s have one rule for all. After all, the PM seems to think we’re all in this together.

Geraint Day Southampton Street Swindon

Ditch the signs

I feel it is about time that someone decided to take some positive action about the stupidity of having signs telling people not to do something and yet not have the ability to do anything to enforce it.

I am referring to the No Right Turn sign in Devizes Road into Bradford Road.

When eating in the restaurant opposite, El Toro, I witnessed five offences some months ago and since then have frequently witnessed numerous offences.

I have previously made enquiries of the area beat manager, PC North, who tells me that there have been numerous tickets issued, a fact I find difficult to believe the way the offences have continued over the past five years.

In that time I have heard of no accidents, so what was the point of wasting money on signs? Is it not about time that someone takes the time to get rid of signs that serve no purpose, other than to make people believe it is in order to ignore the law if it appears safe to do so?

Richard Fuller Croft Road Swindon

GPs don’t care

RESIDENTS of Gorse Hill continue to question why doctors – who are supposed to care – do not realise that the community is not happy with plans for a new pharmacy.

It will have an adverse impact on safety, as well as creating a disturbance for the elderly and vulnerable in the area.

Are they just greedy for money? Don’t they care what the community feel? Why can’t they use the space for a better purpose that helps their patients, not a pharmacy we definitely don’t need.

Gerry Przybyszewski Poulton Street Swindon

Nice to see you

It was so nice to see the photo of the late Jock Wilkinshaw. My brother Donald (deceased) and his friends had great respect for him, as he did so much for the youth in Rodbourne.

I believe I am right in saying he started the ‘Rec’ centre in Faringdon Road with the help of the boys. I enjoyed many evenings dancing and made lots of new friends.

My brother wasn’t impressed when I started dancing as he was five years older and always kept a beady eye on me. Happy days!

Merle Cooper nee Godwin Green Road Swindon