25/03/09 - St Margaret Ward Update

Budget - The Council has not escaped the ravages of the downturn and we enter a new Council Year 2009/10 facing some of the biggest problems yet encountered.  Congratulations to Mark Edwards in his new role as Cabinet Member for Resources and the finance and management teams in keeping the increase to 3.5% and yet preserving the great majority of services at a high level.

Motor industry - Stratton is the centre of activity for the motor industry, which needs a boost at this time.  However, what we might describe as sanctions against the motor car are still in place.  The is a plethora of special tax, capital allowance and VAT regulations, which discriminate unfavourably against companies wishing to purchase new vehicles and the employees using them.  All these regulations need to be swept aside, at least until we regain economic stability.

Ward Boundary - St Margaret northern ward boundary is the old Highworth railway line.  If you are anywhere North West of Windbrook Meadow, you need to contact the St Philip’s Ward councillors.  In the south, it's not as clear, but Sywell Rd , for instance, does not fall in St Margaret ward.  Not that we’re not very willing to help, but it’s not we, who will represent you.

Stratton ‘rates’ – the Precept - It’s no exaggeration to say the number complaints I’ve received about the enormity of Stratton St Margaret parish precept is in the hundreds.  The Parish will be getting together again with Swindon Borough Council in 2009/10, looking ways of effecting mutual economies.  In the mean time, you may have noticed in the last “Stratton Parish News” that there are parish councillor vacancies – why not apply?

50 Promises - The Council’s promises are reaching their deadline for fulfillment in 2010 and look like being achieved for the most part.  I’m sure the project as a whole will be judged a great success and maybe one or two notable exceptions will be carried forward.  If you have suggestions for the next tranche of promises, do let us know.

Radio 1 Big Weekend - What a coup it is to have the Radio 1 Big weekend coming to Swindon.  Not sure your councillors will be bopping the night away, but it’s great to be achieving something light hearted for our young people.  It’s a shame not everyone will get tickets.

School Governors - Good progress is reported at Grange Infants, who are pleased at the appointment of two new Governors.  However, there is still a need for more and a shortage of School Governors generally.  If you feel you’d like to help, do contact any school direct.

"StreetSmart "

To Report a Problem, telephone 445501.  This includes:-

Street Cleaning - Cleaning streets, emptying and maintaining litter bins chewing gum removal, removal of drug-related implements etc.

Fly-tipping (Illegal Dumping) - Clearance of any illegally dumped waste from publicly owned roads and land

Fly-posting- Removal of unauthorised advertising material from public buildings and street furniture.

Nuisances - Noise, bonfires, accumulations of refuse, problems with dust and grit, pollution and air quality issues.

Graffiti - Removal of graffiti from council-owned buildings/structures and the homes of Borough of Swindon residents.

Dog Fouling - Dog fouling problems and removal of dog faeces.

Dog Bins - emptying, Maintenance and supply of dog bins.

Dead Animals - Removal of dead animals from public roads and land.

Abandoned Vehicles - Removal of abandoned vehicles from public roads/land and the serving of appropriate legal notice for the removal of abandoned vehicles from private land.

Public Toilets - Cleaning and maintenance of all public toilets within the Borough of Swindon.

Shopping Trolleys - Removal of abandoned trolleys from public land and roads within the Borough of Swindon.

Street Lighting - We have noticed some street lights being left on all day and these have been dealt with.  Please let us know if you see this happening.  If you can, make a note of the lamp post number.