06/05/09 - St Philip Ward Update

Anti Social Behaviour - Your Ward Councillors have recently been aware of increased anti social behaviour in various parts of St Philips, and these details have been passed onto Kirsty Wilson, the beat officer. Please let us know if these problems continue so the Police can be informed and we can monitor the situation carefully.

Queensfield Rat Run - In response to the article written by Michael Wills MP and the letters in the last Stratton Article Paul Findlow writes:  “Michael Wills is obviously entitled to hold a Public Meeting about the Queensfield Rat Run. I personally gave my apologies to his Office before hand saying I had a prior engagement and could not therefore attend. I also know that Cllr Darker also gave her apologies.

The idea of neighbours having a key fob has already been discussed at great length by the Ward Councillors with the Officers at the Council. However there would be a considerable cost involved and there are insufficient funds at present to even consider this proposal. The Councillors current proposal would be for a temporary period only and this could be revoked. However the Councillors would again call on as many neighbours as possible to gauge the reaction of the scheme.

In response to the letter written by Mr Vickery, I find it sad that he found the Saturday Surgery pathetic. Considering the atrocious Weather conditions the attendance was good. The reason why we only had a few in at a time was so we could give Residents quality time listening to their concerns and views and noting their views, and also the room was too small to have a large number at one  time in there. The vast majority of Residents were appreciative of the quality time given.

Mr Wills’s letter concerning Mr L is also of some concern. If Mr L or anyone else found the wording defamatory then please let me be the first to apologise unreservedly for this misunderstanding. If Mr L wishes to contact me by e-mail or make contact with me I will be happy to discuss "in confidence" the results of his findings."

Health Scrutiny Committee-Cancer Treatment - Paul Findlow writes “I sit on the Health and Scrutiny Committee and at the last meeting a paper came up discussing what radiotherapy treatment is available to Swindon Residents. A review by Swindon Councillors found that patients have to travel to Oxford for this vital treatment, which is time consuming uncomfortable and expensive. Most Swindon patients needing radiotherapy, which is needed to treat a range of Cancers, have to travel to Oxford five days a week, up to six weeks. Councillors when interviewing some patients found nothing but praise for the current treatment, but found the travelling difficult”

Sinead Darker:  I am pleased that this is now under review and hope that it will not be too long before any people living in St Philips and Swindon will be able to get this treatment locally.

Swimming for the over 60’s - In the last Stratton Outlook it was reported that the over 60,s can now get free swimming at certain swimming pools across the Borough. These include the Dorcan Recreation Complex Health Hydro, Link and Oasis Centre. Your Ward Councillors encourage those eligible to take advantage of this as medical evidence suggests that swimming is considered to be one of the best forms of exercise.

Swindon's Big Weekend - For those lucky enough in the St Philips Ward to get tickets for this event, we hope that everyone has an enjoyable, but safe time over the weekend. Sinead Darker"-The line up for both days shows a remarkable gathering of talent, and will certainly be an event to remember for a long time. Congratulations must go to Cllr Phil Young and Cllr Justin Tomlinson for their huge efforts to make the dream a reality” 

Petrol Prices - Although this is more a National issue your Ward Councillors periodically get e-mails about how this is affecting their living standards, and significantly eroding into their income. With a further rise being forecast at Budget time, residents can go into a web site called http://www.petrol/ prices .com. . This will give you the cheapest petrol within a 5 mile radius of your post code, and you can if you want enter a discussion group about current prices. The general consensus is that you, the motorist, is being ripped off by the petrol companies and Government alike, but you judge and comment accordingly.