SIR - Since moving to Stevenage as a teenager in 1961, I have seen the changes over the years to the Town Centre Gardens. It is good that yet further money has been obtained for regeneration. However, I am concerned about part of Councillor Gardner s comm

SIR - Since moving to Stevenage as a teenager in 1961, I have seen the changes over the years to the Town Centre Gardens. It is good that yet further money has been obtained for regeneration. However, I am concerned about part of Councillor Gardner's comment on how the money will be spent - ''A community engagement officer will also be employed to develop a wide range of events for residents''.

So how much of the award will go towards the salary and budget for yet another council officer?

Your article mentioned The Friends of the Town Centre Gardens and I understand there is a proposal for a Town Gardens management group from residents living locally. Stevenage has many local groups and organisations covering a wide variety of interests who I am sure are capable of setting up a board, together with such a management group, to organise events for Stevenage residents without the council's overall control.

SBC often quotes the Stevenage motto 'The heart of the town lies in its people' so let the people decide what events they want not what would fit the council's agenda.

CAROL R BRASSFIELD

Stony Croft

Stevenage

SIR - Article Comet April 23, lotto cash for garden project.

Can someone tell me what a portfolio holder is or what they do? I keep reading in The Comet portfolio holder for this, portfolio holder for that?

Also a community engagement officer? How much will that cost? Isn't someone already employed by the council capable of doing the job?

Also an article on page 28 described the chairman of the winter maintenance topic group. Now that sounds really exciting.

D BUTT

Wildwood Lane

Stevenage