I apologise to Mr Colcomb for not making it clear that I represent local people on the county, North Wiltshire district and Chippenham town councils. If it is necessary for me to 'declare an interest' then I am delighted to do so, as I suppose, councillors from Trowbridge or Devizes should.

I have consistently argued for the general 'public good ahead of self interest'. Last year I proposed that an all-party group from Wiltshire and Swindon examine, objectively, the options for a replacement Record Office without councillors such as myself.

I promised to support their recommendation, whatever it was. My proposal was rejected by Conservative and Liberal Democrat councillors, including those from Trowbridge.

Mr Colcomb may not be aware that the county treasurer said in financial terms Chippenham represented the best value overall. Some Trowbridge members questioned his assessment.

I supported them strongly in their demand for more facts and openness.

The Trowbridge Chamber of Commerce (vested interest?) is calling for our scrutiny committee to examine their complaint that the options review is biased against Trowbridge.

Again, I support their request because I believe in fairness, openness and objectivity above party politics.

Mr Colcomb's point about access and travel is, of course, a strong one but it is difficult to see how any location will be ideal for the whole population of Wiltshire and Swindon, to say nothing of the large proportion of visitors from outside the county.

The district council will not be swelling its coffers when the livestock market site is redeveloped and we could probably get more for it for alternative uses. In any case the council does not have coffers, it only has tax payers' money.

I have never been accused of 'bumbling around' before. I am usually accused of being too hasty. I would invite Mr Colcomb to county council on May 14 to hear us stop bumbling and make a decision.

Philip Allnatt, Independent

Chippenham, town, district and county councils