I cannot recognise the version of events being described by resident Alan Peterson (Nail in coffin for town, July 24); and his attack on Coun Melody Thompson’s position is quite uncalled-for.

Mr Peterson might be justified in his scorn if what were being proposed by the West Cepen Way was 750,000 sq ft of retail shopping or 750,000 sq ft of leisure amenity (such as a multiplex cinema or amusement park): since Melody fought her campaign on the need to reinvigorate the town centre (as did I, for that matter) and a development such as that on the A350 would suck some of the livelihood and amenity out of the town centre.

But instead, what the town councillors were presented with was a proposal for the Range to build their south-of-England distribution centre there.

We are talking warehousing and onward distribution of goods, and the planners have assured the town that 80 per cent of the HGV and other traffic movements would be to and from the motorway Junction 17.

There would be little additional traffic within the town; and a great positive benefit in terms of employment opportunity.

The town council is likely to be favourably disposed towards the Range if the development comes forward for planning permission in this form.

Meanwhile, there is everything to fight for in improving the town centre’s amenity.

Mr Peterson should not think councillors have given up on that.

Coun Nick Watts, Liberal Democrat, Wiltshire Council, Lady Coventry Road, Chippenham.