Results of recent research carried out by Forward Swindon which portrayed the town as ugly and average, came as no surprise to the majority of residents; the only surprise being that Forward Swindon paid £10,000 to find out Swindon, a mostly red brick industrial town, located between the oft described dreaming spires of Oxford and the wonderful world heritage city of Bath will, under such circumstances, always be regarded as ugly – and understandably so.

What does seem strange is why there is a sudden reluctance by people to relocate to the town when, not too long ago, many people together with well known commercial and industrial undertakings, saw no reason why they should not become established in the town, even though the town’s image then was the same as it is today.

We are all aware , perhaps reluctantly so, that the town has not, over the years, made the progress that was expected of it, and in a search for a way forward, I was reminded of the northern town of Wigan. which was regarded as the joke town of the north. Over quite a short period of time, the town reinvented itself and shed the image of a joke town to become a popular tourist centre of the north.

Exhibiting the same drive, Reading, once in competition with Swindon for city status, leapt ahead to establish itself in the top 10 shopping destinations in the country.

Promotions can come and go, but perhaps discovering how other towns have made such progress and why Swindon hasn’t could be the object of Forward Swindon’s next research.

RON BURCHELL Crombey Street Swindon

On yer bike

On Saturday April 7 I was getting off of the bus in Pinehurst Road, when I was almost hit by a woman riding her bike, at speed, on the pavement. After shouting and telling her to use the road, she informed me that she was allowed to ride on the pavement as she had a carrier on her bike and was going shopping.

So madam, if you read this you will find rule 54 of the highway code states quite clearly: You MUST NOT cycle on the pavement, or obstruct or endanger road users or pedestrians. So when you go out on your bike again, engage your brain first.

D Cottrell Hornbeam Court Swindon

Don’t blame dog

After reading one of your letters today, I feel that I have to respond. It was a letter about ‘dangerous’ dogs, being Staffordshire Bull Terriers. We had a Staffy for 11 years and he was one of the kindest, loyal, patient dogs we have ever owned.

When we walked him it was always other owners that would cross the road when they saw us, as he was big for a Staffy. On many occasions he was attacked by smaller dogs when ignorant owners let their pets off the lead, then blame our dog for being vicious?? Obviously he would feel threatened if he is on the lead.

How many times does it have to be said that their isn't a dangerous dog, just an irresponsible owner.

The only reason some people have this breed of dog is because they have a muscular body and are very strong. Their nature is the total opposite of what they think they will be. I would like to see the licensing system put in place and more laws to stop people breeding and selling puppies, who more often than not end up in pounds.

It is not the dog, it is the owner!

Mrs Smith Copse Avenue Swindon

No proof yet

Barry Woodham seems a bit confused between ‘intelligent design’ and ‘creationism’ and so I would like to clarify. Intelligent Design looks to see if an intelligent cause is the only likely explanation for the biochemical systems of life. It is agnostic as to whether evolution or additional creative steps followed. Evolution doesn’t explain the origin of life.

Creationism, on the other hand, tries to justify the literal interpretation of sacred texts, and rests on the capabilities on an all-powerful God much more than fossil remains and rocks.

I am not bothered whether development of species took a short or a long time, but I am concerned that there should be freedom of thought and conscience as a matter of tolerance in our free and democratic society.

I am not ignorant of the masses of evidence for evolution and its anomalies, but evidence is what it is and not proof.

Robin Tingey Cherry Tree Grove Pinehurst Swindon

Holy smoke!

Pagan – MOI?! (J Adams Letters April 7). Mr Adams should really do his research better. I have been a paid up member of Highworth Community Church for most of the 26 years I have lived in Highworth. I attend my church every Sunday and took the service on Easter Day.

A snivelling apology will be accepted otherwise anyone know a good pro-bono libel lawyer. (This, Mr Adams, is a joke).

Geoffrey Heaford The Green Highworth