Commenting on Dennis Swaysland's campaign to save Markhams Chase Leisure Centre, Basildon, councillor Tony Hedley stated he was not willing to waste any more time responding to Mr Swaysland's "one-man crusade" (Nov 19).

Believe me, Mr Swaysland has the backing of a lot of new town residents.

It's hypocritical for Mr Hedley to talk about democracy when a short while ago he was featured in an Echo picture, pondering how to save an unused community centre in Billericay, his back yard, but support the loss of most of the new town's sports and leisure facilities, open space and junior pitches.

I am surprised that he is avoiding what would appear to be a David and Goliath public debate.

An experienced highprofiled councillor like him should run rings around the likes of Mr Swaysland, a 73-year-old pensioner. That is, if you have nothing to hide!

In his position he should know the charges for facilities under his control.

The only thing I know is that a few years ago my senior citizen's fee for a session in Markham's Chase gymnasium was 83p.

It has now escalated to £2.75 which far exceeds inflation rates.

S Cross
Church Road
Basildon

...I was mortified to read (Nov 19) Basildon Council is willing to go ahead with its plans for a sports village in spite of opposition.

It is willing to spend £35million of our hardearned money on a complex which has only a predicted life of 15 years. Of course in 15 years time, the present councillors will not be there to stand up and defend their errors of ways.

Thank God that a campaigner like Dennis Swaysland has taken up the fight again at the age of 73.

He so successfully fought the council for us a few years ago, when it was again willing to override the wishes of the local community to hand over Table House to Wickford Town Football Club.

Fortunately, due to pressure from the objectors, it eventually did hand it over to the football club, which now has clean and safe changing rooms for our local youngsters to use.

I hope this time too, many will join in the objections of wasting £35million of our money.

Kenneth Ward
Whist Avenue
Wickford

...Dennis Swaysland is not a one-man crusade as councillor Tony Hedley thinks.

I am now 73 years old and still enjoy playing table tennis at the Markhams Chase Sports Centre.

When we first went there over 15 years ago, when the Bryn Centre was forced to close against the interests of the community, there was only half a dozen.

Thanks to an Echo article in January 2004, about one of our players, our numbers immediately shot up to at least 20!

I invite Mr Hedley to come down one Wednesday and see for himself the good, caring fellowship between us.

David Meredith
Church Road
Basildon