I am writing as a parent of a child who attends Saturday Specials in Marlborough.

I would like to congratulate Kennet District Council for running such a group successfully at the leisure centre, giving children and young adults with disabilities and learning difficulties the chance to participate in sports and leisure activities.

Social interaction is very important in anyone's life but many disabled people are not given the opportunity. Saturday Specials gives them this opportunity three hours of fun, excitement and sports.

There is no other group run in the North Wiltshire area not even Swindon can offer such a club.

The proposed changes made by Rob Hayday would make the group less attractive for people to attend. The swingeing cost rise and the cut in hours would make people think twice about attending. Then, I suppose, it could be wound up as a lost cause.

I would like to take to task the statement by Mr Smith regarding the cost of one-to-one care. Saturday Specials is run by three people. Many parents and carers employed by parents also attend to lend a hand.

There is no 'one-to-one' care many of the more able participants take care of themselves and the less able are cared for by parents and carers. The carers are paid for by the parent of the child and not by Kennet Council and Marlborough Leisure Centre.

In recent months Marlborough Leisure Centre has made some changes to the site. They have absorbed one of the rooms that Saturday Specials used into the gymnasium complex and more recently staff have been told they cannot help the group if for one reason or another a member of the supervisory team cannot attend. This has caused days to be cancelled at short notice causing upset and dismay to the participants.

It seems that Marlborough Leisure Centre is forgetting that it is part of the local community and should provide services for that community not just a select 'able bodied' few.

These changes cannot be allowed to happen. We all have a responsibility for those less fortunate. Mr Hayday should take his proposals and consign them to the wastebasket.

L Colyer

Swindon