HAVING read three articles in last week’s Gazette & Herald I felt obliged to voice my opinions on three matters.

Firstly, the villagers of Erlestoke should realise that a pub is like a dog, it’s not just for Christmas! If they do not use it throughout the year it will not be profitable. I do wonder just how many of the parish councillors and campaigners did regularly use their “much prized facility”. As the saying goes, “use it or lose it”.

Secondly, talk about going around in circles. The awarding of Wiltshire Council contracts under Dame Scott’s tenure went for cost over efficiency. This in the long run has probably cost the taxpayers more due to the wrong decisions being made.

Thirdly, I find it strange that Claire Perry enthused about youngsters getting the vote. In the Scottish Referendum 16-year-olds were given that chance to help decide the future governance of their country.

However, in what could be the most important vote for generations, her government is opposed to 16-year-olds voting in the European Referendum – if it ever happens!

Surely the decision made will affect the younger generation, rather than the likes of me and many of our MPs and Lords, going on 70 and above. Perhaps Claire Perry would like to lead a campaign to drop the voting age for this referendum and give credence to her banner waving for the right to vote.

MIKE STONE, Market Lavington