THE quotes your correspondent attributes to me do not include my clear statement in your newspaper that our fight concerns not only pensioners, but also low paid families struggling to meet their financial obligations.

Swindon Council inherited, amongst other debts, a £40m deficit in the employees pension fund and a £51m estimate for repairs to "crumbling schools" resulting from the flawed acceptance of unitary status in 1997 from Wiltshire County Council.

In the light of this, the 6.3 per cent budget proposed by Coun Mike Bawden was a realistic proposition.

In respect of appearing foolish I am reminded of the Labour councillors' performance supported by Lib/Dem, 'bag carriers' on February 12 at the budget setting meeting in the civic offices.

I have written to John Prescott enclosing documentation and a request that he will honour his promise to cap any council tax increase in excess of low single figures for Swindon council tax payers.

FRANK AVENELL

Beckhampton Street