I write to express my concern and disappointment about the election leaflet from Michelle Donelan, the Conservative Parliamentary candidate for Chippenham, posted in the Malmesbury Road area this week.

She refers to problems caused by people drinking alcohol and littering in John Coles Park.

I know that staff and councillors take great pride in keeping the park in immaculate condition for the public to enjoy. Staff collect litter every day and in busy periods bins are sometimes emptied several times a day. The park is used by thousands each week and enquiries reveal that there have been no formal complaints during the last few months. We receive many comments about the park, almost always complimentary and there has been no mention of under-age drinking or anti-social behaviour.

To reassure Ms Donelan, the very rare instances of alcohol misuse and anti-social behaviour have been dealt with using a multi-agency approach, liaison with youth outreach workers and the police. Poor behaviour is dealt with swiftly and fortunately there are very few serious issues in the park.

I wonder if Ms Donelan is confusing her parks, as we do receive adverse comments about Monkton Park, which is managed by Wiltshire Council.

Ms Donelan also mentions the increases in the precept, this year of 27p per week. The town council faced increases in costs outside its control and had to make substantial cuts to limit the increase.

The council is happy to provide a detailed explanation of the precept to anyone who would like one. All councillors work closely together to provide good quality facilities and services appropriate to our rapidly growing town.

David Powell, Leader, Chippenham Town Council.