From Jean Saunders of Swindon Friends of the Earth: foeswindon@hotmail.com

Swindon Borough Council has had the effrontery to seek Swindon FoE's support for the next City Status Bid in a letter that I received from them yesterday.

In view of the fact that we were extremely critical about the entire concept, had articles published in the local media explaining our position and repeated these arguments at various seminars and conferences related to the future development of Swindon, I felt justified to send the letter below.

If any others organisations wish to disassociate themselves from the bid, then please write to Jane Sheppard at jsheppard@swindon.gov.uk

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Dear Ms Sheppard

I was shocked to receive a letter signed by Paul Docherty today regarding the proposed Swindon City Status Bid 2002 asking Swindon Friends of the Earth to nominate the jewels of Swindon.

Swindon Friends of the Earth opposed the previous bid on the grounds that the focus was on continued physical growth of the town and so-called economic development rather than on a policy of sustainable development whereby environmental and social factors are given equal importance.

As far as I am aware, there are no environmental or conservation groups in Swindon that will support the new City Status Bid even if Swindon Borough Council pretends to now show an interest in the community.

We hope that your bid fails.