Swindon's lost jewels

Dear Councillor Bates

In response to your invitation, in the September edition of The Link Magazine, I have fond memories of Swindon including;

• The Lawns (Old Town), left to the people by the Goddard family, at one time fully maintained - now no longer.
  
  
• The Link Centre - at one time a pleasing building and maintained - now no longer.
  
  
• Swindon Centre - with its reasonable shops and clean precinct - now no longer.
  
  
• Swindon library with the promise of a permanent site some thirty years ago - now part of another forward plan - now no longer?
  
  
• Swindon Reference library with its comparative peace and quiet facilities for study, also with promises of a permanent site - now no longer. We now have to endure unacceptable noise and loud music from the rooms above.
  
  
• A hospital of which Swindon was justly proud - now no longer. In its place a seemingly splendid building but, I understand, lacks adequate accommodation.
  
  
• The Corn Exchange (Old Town) and the Mechanics Institute, at one time splendid and 'active' buildings and part of Swindon's heritage, of which Swindon should be proud - now no longer.
  
  
• Vehicles not causing congestion and not permitted to double park or park on double-yellow lines - now no longer.
  
  
• The peoples voice was at one time heard - now no longer.
  
  
• etc. etc. etc.

Why waste our money striving for city status - cannot we get our town in order first ?

David Holliday