Derelict as it is, the old Corn Exchange and Town Hall building is one of the few truly identifiable and historic buildings remaining in Old Town.

It is an inherent part of the historical complex which, with the High Street and Wood Street, characterises Old Town.

It is a shame that it has been allowed to fall into its present state of dereliction.

I fail to see why restoration and upgrade cannot be achieved mainly within the existing confines of the building, with perhaps the addition of a roof height extension to the rear, ie on the southern side.

This would preserve the grandeur of the building from the northern viewpoint from where it dominates the square and the High Street.

Such an extension could be built on the lines of The Pinnacle, the residential block on the site of the old Horder’s shop; this is a good example of sympathetic design.

It is only because of the over ambitious, oversized and grotesque designs submitted for the Locarno in the past 12 years that no progress has been made. This is mainly due to unacceptable visual impact.

Scaling down the proposal as suggested should eliminate this factor. The amount of traffic generated, another reason for rejection of the plans, would be reduced at a stroke. I am sure that most objectors would be quite happy with a proposal based on these lines. The idea of demolishing this grand old building is inconceivable.

Ray Morse Tismeads Crescent Swindon

...so please help

We have lived in Swindon for over 40 years, loved it and seen many changes, many of which have been a joy to see; the Railway Village houses, the ingenious Magic roundabout and the new library, which is fantastic. However, we feel deeply ashamed that we have allowed some buildings that shout out the history of Swindon, such as the Mechanics Institute and now Old Town’s Locarno, to fall to pieces.

The Locarno and the market square is, or was, the heart of Old Town. With a little imagination the market square could look fabulous and be a credit to the whole of Swindon. But no, there is talk about knocking it down.

Is it not possible for someone in authority to stop this happening? Why don’t the council apply for Lottery money to help restore it?

And what about all those firms who have made fortunes moving into Swindon in the last few decades? Please, someone save the Locarno.

Ida Harries and Rosemary Moxon Croft Road Swindon

The care’s there

I feel I must reply to Maurice Card’s letter (Adver, March 12) as I am a type 2 diabetic resident in Swindon.

Like Mr Card, I cannot fault the care and advice I have been given by my local GP and diabetic nurses. I have had my regular MOTs, eye checks etc, and have also attended an Emerson course in early 2010, which gave all attendees plenty of help and advice on do’s and don’ts. All diabetics should be made to attend one.

I think it is up to the individual to take care of their health. If you receive reminders from your GP, Primary Care Trust etc., for these tests, you yourself should follow them through, not just put them to one side or in the bin!

I have no complaints with the way I have been cared for by my local NHS and reiterate that the onus is on the individual to take the necessary steps to control their diabetes. The facilities are there to help them.

Mrs Barbara Woodward Cambridge Close Swindon

New form of wife

In view of David Cameron’s reform of marriage, it seems that all government forms are to be reprinted to remove the words husband and wife and replace them with spouses and partners.

The marriage certificate will also need to be corrected to remove the words bridegroom and bride. All forms used by the private sector will also have to be changed in order to comply.

Steve Halden Beaufort Green Swindon