AS lead member on Swindon Borough Council for Equalities and Community, I am writing in to reply to the questions raised in the letter headed Is this Racism, printed on August 11 regarding the African Caribbean Saturday Club from RW Selway.

Swindon Borough Council also wants Swindon to be a place where all people can feel proud of their heritage and free from racial discrimination, harassment or abuse.

The Saturday Club came about partly as a response to needs expressed by a group of parents of mixed race children some five years ago, who attended a conference in 1998 looking at racism and its effects on the identity of black and mixed parentage children.

A support group was established and later some of these parents worked with the Caribbean community, supported by the Council's Community Education staff, to develop a club for children of Caribbean heritage and their siblings, as an opportunity to meet together, get support and learn about their shared heritage. The club has been open for nearly two years.

The council gives a small grant to the West Indian Association towards sessional worker costs and room hire. The club is managed by the West Indian Association and is heavily supported by volunteers, who can be available to help with school work.

The council has a duty to promote racial equality under the Race Relations Amendment Act 2000.

It also can take such positive action under section 35 of the Race Relations Act 1976 which covers access to facilities or services to meet the special needs of persons from a particular racial group in relation to their education, training, or welfare.

The West Indian Association has always been very keen to share its culture with all Swindon residents and for this reason holds an annual carnival to promote an awareness of the Caribbean culture, thus breaking down barriers and promoting racial harmony. The council also supports this event.

COUN D DART

Lead Member for Community and Equalities

Swindon Borough Council