YET again two reports appearing within days of each other demonstrate the ludicrous but destructive policy decisions being made by Swindon Borough Council.

The first report on September 1 "Forest fun down among the trees," explained how Swindon Borough Council's partnership organisation Great Western Community Forest provided a day of free entertainment at the Lawns in Old Town. Those choosing to attend were entertained by puppet displays, clowns, African chants and Arabic music etc.

This event may have received sponsorship by local businesses but an event of this nature requires a substantial amount of organisation, which is presumably carried out by staff from Swindon's Civic Offices. This, therefore, implies that a substantial amount of the Council's resources i.e. tax payers money was directed into this event.

The second report "Teachers axed to meet budget" appeared two days later, explaining that schools in Swindon will be starting the new term with eight less teachers because of compulsory redundancies. The teachers unions claim that there are teacher shortages in key subjects like English, science and maths.

Swindon council tax payers have been subjected year on year to extortionate council tax increases and are bracing themselves for yet another rise.

It is absolutely appalling that Swindon Borough Council continues to squander precious resources by organising free entertainment while essential services are under such severe attack.

I am left pondering the following questions.

Will the council tax payers of Swindon ever get value for money? Will we ever see resources directed to where they are really required? Will common sense ever prevail at Swindon Borough Council?

It is to be hoped that bad decision making will finally cease and that resources are prioritised so that essential services receive the funding they require. However, based on past performances a common sense approach to service provision in Swindon seems unlikely.

(Mrs) E FELL

Wroughton