Reading the Emma Dunn article in the Adver on April 27 I was intrigued by M Lehmann’s remarks on the idea of extending Arkwright Road into Hyde Road. This will greatly increase the traffic flow in Hyde Road.

We have traffic from the Stratton bypass, the Arkells enlarged works and business unit, the Co-op superstore, the garden centre and of course the Queensfield estate.

The remarks of Mr Lehmann and I quote: “People will have a choice to drive to their destinations without having to cut through small communities,’’ Hyde Road is a small community. So I am assuming Mr Lehmann’s comments should read “without having to cut through my community’’.

Ask the local councillors their opinion on Hyde Road traffic, they would ask: Where is Hyde Road?

Answer: That’s the road we never bother with, still shove a leaflet through the letter boxes, after all it is election time.

M E Chesterman Hyde Road, Kingsdown, Swindon

Veteran’s views

With reference to your article in the Adver on Saturday April 14. As a British Legion and RASC veteran I hope that this matter will soon be sorted.

I also hope Swindon Council will also stop the long-standing ‘harassment’ I have experienced over the last 40 years.

This started when the Parks was being built and has continued even when I complained of sewage running down the streets of Toothill that children were paddling through it.

Because I complained about this mess and got a petition signed by my neighbours, I was visited and threatened by a large rent collector, who said it was not their problem.

But I told him this was a health issue!

At the time both my wife and son were terminally ill and this was stress that I did not need but the council did not take this into consideration.

After you voter in the upcoming elections think of that bloke sat behind the desk at the council, making a fortune who will send a rent collector round to sort you out if you step out of line and complain.

Best of luck.

Alan Thipthorpe Queens Drive Swindon

Rat’s a disgrace

On Sunday, April 29 I was waiting for the hospital bus in Fleming Way, when I saw a large rat run across the steps. It ran back with some food in its mouth.

I have grandchildren, great grandchildren as other people have. To think Swindon Council can’t do anything about it when they need the bushes need to be cut back and the area made flat.

People are eating as they walk, dropping food. What a disgrace!

Margaret Brown Purton Road Moredon Swindon

Join in Treelay

I would like to invite readers whose appetite for a challenge is being whetted by the forthcoming Olympic Games to join us for Treelay – a sponsored walk and cycle in the Highlands from May 5-19 which will help fund the restoration of one of Britain’s great forests.

Treelay celebrates the planting of the Millionth Tree in the Caledonian Forest by award-winning conservation charity Trees for Life.

The route begins and ends at our Dundreggan Estate near Loch Ness, linking every western Highlands site where we have carried out forest restoration work over a period of almost 25 years.

Participants will journey with our millionth tree which will be planted at Dundreggan on May 20.

Participants are asked to raise at least £100, and can sign up for one or more of 12 individual legs, which vary from 13km to 43km.

For details contact fiona@treesforlife.org.uk, call 01309 691292 or visit www.treesforlife.org.uk/millionthtree/treelay.html.

Alan Watson Featherstone Executive Director Trees For Life The Park Findhorn Bay Forres, Moray