25/03/09 - St Philip Ward Update

Gays Place - Residents have been in contact with your Ward Councillors regarding the poor lighting provision in this area .Cllr Paul Findlow has been in contact with Street and Lighting on SBC and they have assured him that work should commence sometime in the near future .Cllr Paul Findlow writes-" I shall keep a careful eye on the situation, and although the days are getting longer, I appreciate the concerns of the Residents."

 

Cycle Way - Halcrow Consultants have submitted an Application for a footpath/cycleway from

Wheeler Avenue to Cricklade Road via Jefferies Avenue

 

and

Wheeler Avenue to Kembrey Street

Together with vehicle access to the allotments.

Plans for the proposed Cycleway can be viewed on www.swindon.gov.uk/planning, and all comments must be received in writing at the Council Offices by 3 April 2009. Application No S/09/0072.

Cllr Paul Findlow writes -"I personally am in favour of this especially as this may encourage more people to exercise and leave their cars at home . As a member of the Health Scrutiny Committee I have been an active supporter of Adult participation in physical activity and hope this will also help towards improved safety for cyclists and walkers alike. However, it,s not about what I want, but about the Residents views so please let us know your feelings on this."

Saturday Surgeries  - Just a reminder that our Surgeries are held on the first Saturday of every month at Beechcroft Library between 11.30-12.30pm. This is a chance to talk face to face with a Councillor about any local issues which you feel may be affecting your life. the Police are also in attendance, and you can speak in confidence and In Private about problems or concerns. No problem is to big or too small to be ignored .

Cllr Sinead Darker " I enjoy meeting people on a regular basis and Saturday Surgery is an opportunity to put a face to a name and see a problem through."

Your Ward Councillors are keen to point out these meetings are non political and would like to hear from anyone regardless of political persuasion.

Council Tax Setting 2009-2010

Council Tax in Swindon will increase by an average of 3.5% for the 2009/10 financial year, after the Conservatives successfully delivered a prudent budget in the face of Labour's recession.  The budget was opposed by the Labour & Lib Dem councillors, whose amendments failed to add up and were all voted down at the full council meeting. The present Conservative Administration have again delivered a Council Tax in line with inflation, and this 'generally has gone down well with  the public

Cllr Paul Findlow "Considering inflation was over 5% towards the later end of last year, this Budget does represent good value for money in today's economic climate ".

Radio 1 Big Weekend 9 &10 May 2009-Swindon

The Radio 1 Big weekend is the biggest free live music event in Europe and is held annually in a town or city in the UK. This year will be the ninth staging of the event and Radio 1 has chosen Swindon as the venue and specifically LydiardPark over the weekend of May 9 & 10th.

Two councillors used their powers of persuasion to entice Radio 1’s Big Weekend to Swindon.

Councillors Justin Tomlinson and Phil Young, the cabinet member for culture, regeneration and economic development, have secured music fans’ dreams by convincing the BBC that Swindon can deliver.  The councillors pointed out to the BBC the town’s experience of handling the UK Corporate Games in 2006 – when 12,000 people descended on LydiardPark.

Apart from the obvious reputation gain the Big Weekend has a number of other positives including:

• It will help us achieve many of our LAA targets (engagement in arts, belonging, satisfaction, young people participating and a number of other national indicators)
• A place marketing opportunity that has an estimated £1.5 million value – national exposure, blanket BBC coverage for two months, first area and Council in the South West to have the event, SBC brand on all printed material and in publicity  
• Opportunity to showcase all of our events and venues to a regional and national audience and drive up footfall and revenue
• Opportunity to showcase Lydiard as a major events venue and secure follow up income generating events
• Brings in an estimated additional 1.3 million pounds to the local economy over the weekend

There are ‘fringe’ events in the week before the event based in and around the town with local bands show cased and BBC DJs hosting events.

A special website has been launched which will have all information about the event including details for residents: http://www.swindonbigweekend.com/

Yourr Ward Councillors are enthusiastic about this event and  hope as many local people as possible who want to go manage to get tickets