Let's look at the Civic Hall prior to demolition: a very good place to hold a small, large or family function, at a reasonable hire fee with fair bar prices, own caterer selected or even family providing their own food.

I have just heard on good authority, confirmed to me by Cllr Graham Payne, that the new Civic Hall will be as follows: the hire fee will be £45 per hour, the bar and catering has gone to contract thus one expects bar prices to increase and no other caterers or family being allowed to provide food.

How on earth was this passed? I thought the hall was for the people of Wiltshire to use as they wished, and not be dictated to as to what they can or cannot do. There will now undoubtedly be fewer bookings, only used by the very large functions, eg shows, entertainers or boxing. Already, I know of three large events who have booked elsewhere.

You have made a big, big mistake. It wouldn’t surprise me if they renamed the new building Mao-Tse-Tung Hall.

Hoping common sense will prevail.

Tony Carroll, Wilcot Close,Trowbridge.