SWINDON ADVERTISER: The article ‘Swindumped on, yet again’ by Scot D’Arcy (SA, October 13), regarding the nationwide campaign carried out by the charity the English Project, found Swindonians came up with ‘Swindump’, no surprise there then. What did surprise me was the comment from the deputy leader of Swindon council, Councillor Gary Perkins, who said the name Swindump was puerile and claimed the town is vibrant. What part of Swindon was he referring to, somehow I seem to have missed it?
Where is the colour and what is there that can be considered thrilling? The word vibrant to me conjures up a place full of colour and buzzing with life, lots of interesting shops. So where is all this vibrancy? As for people needing to visit to see the real Swindon, that no doubt would put them off for life.
Councillor Perkins, photographed in the town centre, looks as miserable as the majority of Swindonians when visiting the town centre.
What is so frustrating is that the town council fails to take on board the many letters from local residents of their dissatisfaction of the measures taken to improve the area. There is of course the vast expanse of drab grey paving slabs that are already covered in stains that do not disappear even after heavy rain, not to mention the fountain!. At least the red brick paving brought some colour, even on a rainy day.
In the Swindon area there must be some very talented individuals who have the ability to plan and transform the town centre into something to be proud of that would attract new retailers. If all the units in the Brunel Centre and the empty shops in Regent Street were occupied the council would get more revenue, it only needs a modicum of intelligence to work that out.
It is time for Swindon council to recognise its failings and not continue with what to me is just plain arrogance believing it has got it right, when in truth for a number of years it has in fact got it very wrong and we are suffering the consequences.
HAZEL BRIDGMAN Toothill Swindon
