For many years business and political interests in Trowbridge have loudly trumpeted half-formed schemes for the redevelopment of our town.

This unrealistically raises people’s expectations. When little or nothing happens and the town remains scarred by empty buildings and vacant lots, understandably public cynicism and apathy grows.

Now the Conservative party has added to the problem. They have put out a propaganda sheet that openly boasts about Investing in Trowbridge, listing all the developments they are backing.

Yet a reading of the Wiltshire Times indicates that Trowbridge College is currently unlikely to redevelop the Bowyers’ site.

Also word has it that the Waterside project, with long-promised cinema, bowling alley, public library, restaurants and shops, will not proceed for three years.

With the world recession still ongoing one wonders just how many other much-vaunted projects will stall or die.

Interestingly for all its boasting the Conservative sheet made absolutely no mention that the new unitary Wiltshire Council under its control had increased council tax by 3.5 per cent when we were promised savings.

Please let’s have more honesty and realism, and less empty boasting, in local public life. Otherwise the rising tide of public cynicism will be overwhelming.

Mrs June Jefferies, Lambrok Close, Trowbridge.