08/06/09 - St Margaret Ward Update

Claridge’s Pond

The work that was done in the winter on and around Claridge’s pond is proving very worthwhile.  The pollarding undertaken by tree surgeons was particularly worrying at the time it was performed, but the trees are now bursting forth.   Some detritus had collected at the top end when I checked and some idiot had thrown the life belt into the water, which has been reported, but otherwise it looked very well maintained.  This is now one of the nicest parts of Stratton and well worth a visit.  Hopefully, something will be done soon with the former Esso Garage site.

Euro Elections

If you are reading this before the Euro elections on June 4th, please do use your vote and use it sensibly.  Those elected need to govern the European Community with wisdom and tenacity.  You are deciding who is to represent us.

Radio 1 Big Weekend

The Big Weekend was a great success and proves Swindon can put on this sort of event.  Congratulations to all concerned, especially our 40,000 (mainly) young people who behaved admirably.  If you enjoyed Kasabian, they’re back at the Oasis on 13th June.  Though some of us prefer a good classical concert, so are more often to be seen at the Arts Centre, or the Wyvern!  Acclaimed pianist, Paul Turner is performing at the Arts Centre on 27th June.

Councillors’ expenses

Given all the fuss there’s been about Central Government expenses, your ward councillors have been subjected to numerous jibes about our second homes and how much it costs the ratepayer.  In Swindon Council, we draw a fixed “allowance” for being a councillor and some extra responsibilities, such as belonging to the Cabinet, attract a greater allowance, which the tax man treats as a salary.  Allowances are set by an Independent (i.e. not councillors!) Review Panel.  We can also draw expenses directly relating to our duties, such as travelling around the ward, or to meetings, which of course we all have, but not all claim.  Allowances and expenses are all published on the Council’s web site and they go into the paper every year.  I used the web site to check on St Margaret Ward Councillors expenses from 2003/4 to 2007/8 (the latest available).  Not a single penny in expenses has been claimed by any St Margaret Councillor in that time!  As far as I know, 2008/9 is likely to be the same.

Foster Care

We have been reminded recently of the real need for foster carers.  there are many young folk waiting for places to come up.  Those who foster already, seem to keep on doing it, which demonstrates how worthwhile it is, but we need to recruit new carers as well.  Do have a look at http://www.swindon.gov.uk/fostering on the Council’s web site and see if you think fostering’s for you.  Alternatively, Christine and Ray Fisher have experience of short term fostering and are happy to talk about it.

Clean-up

We are planning a ward clean-up soon, similar to those you may have seen elsewhere in the Borough.  If you have seen an area that needs some concentrating  of our resources, please let us know.  Also, if you would like to join in, when it’s arranged, please let Ray Fisher know, preferably by email -  rfisher@swindon.gov.uk.  Graffiti should be reported on the StreetSmart number – 445501, though we can only deal with Commercial premises after agreeing a charge for the service.  Unfortunately, we cannot force businesses to clean away graffiti and some remain for long periods.  If you are a customer of these premises, you might be in a good position to mention it... There have been a lot of complaints about this lately, as well as untidy gardens.  If you are being a poor neighbour in this respect, please consider tidying up.  The Borough have very few powers of enforcement, unless there’s a health risk.

Surgery

Our next advice surgery will take place at the Stratton Community Leisure Centre, Grange Drive , on Saturday 30th June at 10am until noon.  The Neighbourhood Policing Team join us when they can.