Solicitor MAREK SARNOWSKI, 47, loves Swindon, but his home town is in danger of losing its soul. Last month, the borough council revealed its 30-Year Vision, including the introduction of trams, improved shopping facilities and a new science, education and business park. As it prepares to take the plan to public consultation, Mr Sarnowski argues we should be looking at a wider picture...At the start of the new millennium, Swindon is at a crossroads, and is in need of a vision for the future.

But as Swindon Council presents its vision for the next 30 years, the question is whether this is enough.

I, as a lifelong resident, believe the aspirations of this town and its residents should extend beyond plans for new buildings and transport as set out in the council's blueprint.

I believe residents should be consulted and encouraged to put forward ideas and take part in the growth and development of the town on every level, including cultural and community issues.

This might at least foster an improved community spirit and cast aside the joke image which Swindon has in the rest of the country.

Undoubtedly, our town is facing difficult issues. This letter sets out my thoughts and ideas. It is an invitation for a debate and participation of the town's residents with the aim of achieving something of which we can all be proud:

n The town has grown hugely in the past 30 years. The composition of the population has changed. There are now fewer residents from established Swindon families, more ethnic minorities and more short term residents all have repercussions for the needs and priorities of the town.

We are told that the town must provide a further 20,000 houses or so in addition to the developments already approved. The question arises where in Swindon these houses should be built.

n The new hospital at Commonhead is proceeding and, despite what planners may say, the land in its vicinity must also now be threatened with development up to the Coate Water Country Park. Questions are also being raised as to the adequacy of the number of beds planned for the new hospital fewer than at PMH

n Swindon aspires to city status. A leaked report on Swindon's application condemns the town as materialistic. This has an uncomfortable ring of truth.

The report also labels the town as lacking in history (which is difficult to dispute) and not having enough of a sense of community.

Personally, I have had very few experiences of a strong sense of community in the town. The ones that do come to mind are all football-related Wembley 1969, promotion to the then First Division under Ossie Ardiles, the subsequent protests about the demotion, and the promotion under Glenn Hoddle to the Premier League in 1993. All of these seemed to unite the town.

I believe residents are not properly consulted about city status and the pros and cons are not explained.

n There are many good things in Swindon the Steam museum, the displays of flowers on the roundabouts, the Swindon Festival of Literature and the Wiltshire Festival and the town's collection of modern art. But the town's reputation has suffered through adverse comments made by former Swindonians, for example Mark Lamarr and journalist Judy Jones.

n Swindon Town Football Club abandoned its Coat of Arms representing the history and heritage of the town and adopted a meaningless logo. Is this symptomatic of the town's values?

n A new super stadium is proposed. A corner of the Front Garden at Blagrove is Mr Brady's only stated option for the proposed new stadium. Mr Brady made no mention of housing when he first announced the plan for the new stadium, yet now he is seeking preferred residential developer status on a substantial area of the Front Garden. Why weren't these proposals announced at the outset?

Although the Front Garden may yet prove to be the best option for the stadium, we should not allow Mr Brady to dictate terms which may not be best for the town or to use the stadium as a back door development for the rest of the Front Garden.

n The council is considering how to spend the £60 million or so from the sale of the Brunel Shopping Centre. A new theatre, library, concert hall and various other leisure facilities have been suggested. But will the new theatre or concert hall be viable? Bear in mind that the modestly-sized Wyvern Theatre is often half empty.

n Decisions need to be made about Swindon's future and its residents need to be involved. Proper consultation and discussion should take place. Often the council seems to seek opinions but take no notice.

Swindon's vision should include creating a town which is special.

Some people believe that a state of art shopping centre would be a panacea for the town. There are, however, splendid shopping centres all around the country. Another one in Swindon, would not be anything particularly special.

n Swindon does, however, have one asset which is unique and should be a plank of the platform for our vision for the future the town is surrounded by exceptional countryside, scenery and history, like Avebury, the White Horses and the Cotwolds.

Already Swindon has splendid parks and open spaces. The 30-year vision should include enhancing parks and countryside in and around the town, and interlinking them by cycle paths and walkways.

A top priority should be the establishment of new country parks. The Front Garden is a prime site.

We should all now be working together and exchanging ideas for the future to make Swindon special. A town of which we can be proud. A town worthy of the new millennium.