08/06/09 - St Philip Ward Update

 Swindons Big Weekend

Now that the dust has settled, everyone who was lucky to get tickets  seems to have commented on what a wonderful time they had , and more importantly, how well the two days were organised . There was praise for the Policing, security, and even the catering came in commendation as there was no long wait for refreshments. What for the future you may ask. Well, unfortunately it looks as though it will probably be a good few years before Radio 1 considers coming back to Swindon. However, there is plenty of Summer open air concerts at the Bowl which have proved to be in the past very popular , as there is a wide range of music to suit most tastes. Check the Swindon.gov.uk website for further details.

Church Summer Fete, St Philips Church, Beechcroft Road

Your Ward Councillors have received an invitation to this Annual event on Saturday 27th June at 2.00 pm . Councillor Paul Findlow writes. I hope many of St Philips Residents manage to attend this even if it only for an hour. I will be attending with some of my family , hopefully we will get some fine weather "

 

Connecting People, Connecting Places

The following is extracts from the Last full Council Meeting on the 15 April 09.

Swindon's population is growing and changing in profile.  The Borough already benefits from a rich tapestry of voluntary and community groups and there is an opportunity to strengthen and build on these elements of society that have historically formed the bedrock of the village, the town and the county.  We also have a strong history of engaging with residents and communities to develop and deliver policy as well as partnership working which can be used as a foundation for this new way of achieving what is best for the Borough.  Residents are demanding more from public services not only in terms of leadership but also with regard to access, engagement with and quality of services.  The current national economic situation and growing pressure on public finances place an added incentive on us to find new ways of working together with residents and communities. 

"Connection People, Connecting Places" responds to this picture in Swindon and is an innovative programme which aims to influence strategic policy, strengthen the role of Ward Councillors in local governance and ensure that people are involved in shaping and influencing the future of their local area.  It has been developed to meet Swindon's unique circumstances.

 "Connecting People, Connecting Places" seeks to challenge popular conceptions of public services and involve residents and partner organisations in the promotion of "place".  The aim is to raise aspirations, increasing trust, and demonstrating how the Council, partners and residents can work together to bring about change and improvement.  This approach to partnership working within "clusters" is considered to be best practise. 

Swindon Borough Council has a strong commitment to serving the Borough as set out in the Community Strategy, which is underpinned by the 50 Promises, the Corporate Plan, the Medium Term Resourcing Strategy and the Annual Operating Plan.  The policies and strategies are derived from in-depth engagement with electors whether through formal consultation processes or the work of Ward Councillors.

Cabinet is also committed to working with partners in the Swindon Strategic Partnership to deliver the existing Local Area Agreements and to improve resident's satisfaction with their local area.  The Council's strategic partners will play a central role in "Connecting People, Connecting Places", making a shared commitment to the programme at the meeting of the "Swindon Strategic Partnership Board".  Partners have been consulted on and contributed to the development of the current programme and are currently considering the implications for the way in which they work with communities. 

The main principle objectives of the "Connecting People, Connecting Places" programme are to help:

Promote a "Sense of Community''

There is a sense of pride and belonging to the area by local people

There are many people involved in volunteering and community activity

There is an understanding between and amongst individuals, Councillors, agencies and communities of one another's needs and "how things work''

Encourage and encourage more meaningful engagement with Ward Councillors , People and Communities

A wider range of opportunities and ways for people to get involved

Better co-ordination of conversations and activities between and amongst people, agencies and community groups

People feel involved in decision making

Greater shared understanding of people's and agencies' needs and viewpoints

Ensuring a wide range of involvement including young people

Removing barriers to people being involved when they want to be.

As stated previously this is only part of the extract . Your Ward Councillors will be happy too meet with Residents to discuss and explain these exciting proposals in far greater detail.

Swindon Cycle Map 2009

The 2009 edition of the Swindon edition of the Swindon Cycle Map is now available. The first edition of the Swindon Cycle Map was produced 1993 , and has appeared in the same format since.  For  2009 A new format is being tested. The size of the map is now doubled in size allowing more detail to be added. Every street and road has been graded according to the degree of skill and experience cyclists should have before choosing to use them as part of their journey. Production of the new map contributes to Promise 44 to increase the number of cycle journeys in Swindon . It also promotes physical activity   through active travel. At the last Council Meeting In April Councillor Findlow spoke of the benefits to everyone in participating in some form of physical activity

Councillors Expenses

At a recent Surgery there was a rather irate member of the Public who accused the Ward Councillors of having their snouts in the trough. In view of the recent  publicity this could not be further from the truth- Paul Findlow adds-"I only receive my basic allowance which every Councillor is entitled to. I do not claim for any petrol usage. Letters and telephone calls are paid entirely out of my pocket , as well is the continual use of my own computer for conducting a lot of my work. All Councillors Allowances are published in the Swindon Advertiser sometime in June and myself or my colleagues will be happy to take any questions regarding this."

Swindons' New Mayor 09/10

Congratulations to David Wren who has been selected to be Mayor for this Municipal Year . Many will know his wife (Sinead ) as she is the Mayoress and also a Councillor for this Ward. Good luck and best wishes to them in what will be an exciting but challenging and demanding year.