Protect nature site from development
3:27pm Thursday 19th January 2012 in Your Say
Protect nature site from development
I read with some concern the article in the Adver stating Kevin McCloud was going to build more houses in Swindon. I have nothing against Mr McCloud and it would appear that his developments are energy efficient, of which I thoroughly approve.
However I do have some concern over the siting of his future developments, as he is interested in Kembrey Grass fields allotment site.
Kembrey Grass fields was an allotment site that was closed as allotments some years ago and has been allowed to go wild. It is adjacent to an area of primary woodland that has blackthorn and ash seedlings, now 20ft high and a few mature ash and oak. It has reverted to wild grassland and in summer has 3ft high grass in which roe deer lie up.
Although the council has gone out of it’s way to prevent access, it is used daily by dog walkers.
This morning after reading my Adver, I took my two dogs for a walk and saw a pair of little egrets. It is too early to say if they are a breeding pair, but these are rare birds in this country and so far have only bred on the south coast.
If they were to breed this far north it would be a feather in Swindon’s cap. I have seen single birds up until now but never a pair here before. It would be a great shame to the town if building work in this area were to scare them off.
The whole area should be made a nature reserve as it is teeming with wildlife. I saw seven species of butterfly on a visit last summer, there is a resident vixen, there are adders, the above mentioned deer and, apart from the egrets, many species of birds.
If the powers that be are unwilling to protect this wonderful wildlife area, at the very least they should commission a wildlife survey and indeed could be legally bound, as it is quite possible a habitat for amphibians, including newts.
Steve Thompson Norman Road Swindon
Lack of planning
In his letter when referring to Croft School, Councillor David Renard writes “perhaps it is worth remembering the important part of the school is inside, the classrooms.” The Cabinet Member for Children’s Services fails to address the more important issue – getting 420 primary age children, teachers and support staff to those classrooms safely!
At the planning meeting to consider Croft School, councillors and their traffic officer presented a lightweight survey on road safety; they were put to shame by the in-depth, carefully researched concerns of residents and road users in and around the Croft Centre.
Sadly, their genuine fears were totally ignored. With a wave of the hand and a wink of the eye, boxes were ticked and the electorate were served with a done deal.
Thinking of the hazards lurking around the completely inadequate approaches to the school, one wonders how those responsible for sanctioning such a folly are able to sleep easy with their conscience!
Myra Hartshorn Carlisle Avenue Swindon
A lot of Garbo
“Garbo speaks”, so ran the headlines for an early talkie following the Swedish actress’s first speaking role. I felt something akin to this on reading Councillor Bluh’s piece last week.” Bluh rambles and misses the point”, again. Deliberate or not, only he knows.
The esteemed councillor seriously argues that residents lost the argument on the Croft school because their arguments failed to sway local councillors. Come off it councillor, who are you trying to kid? So you understand, let me repeat the following: l We could not engage, Councillors did not attend meetings they were invited to by the residents.
l In any event they have taken not one iota of our views on board.
l Councillors did not represent their constituents, instead dreamt up a “Trappist” silent minority who still have not made themselves known.
l Councillors had made their decisions before the “consultation” (more con than anything else) started l Councillors sought to limit by process residents’ rights to protest.
l Councillors and officers have still not responded to legitimate requests for information.
l Councillors misrepresented this process (and continue to do so) in local media.
l Officers presented a “dodgy dossier” of evidence in support of their predetermined case with respect to safety, access and numbers.
l Councillors based their decision apparently on the basis of the opinion of one officer who offered it with so many caveats it was meaningless.
Since this decision, residents have: l Been told the scrutiny panel is not there to scrutinise planning!
l Have discovered smaller number of objectors were successful in overturning officers recommendations (Honda, and Stratton). A large number of objectors were unsuccessful in overturning decisions on the Croft. The difference? Croft is an SBC proposal on SBC land; the others private developments.
So Mr Bluh, as a prospective councillor for my ward, can you promise to: l Represent your residents’ views, not your own?
l As leader, formally and publicly commit your colleagues to do the same, which residents will be astonished to learn is not the position at present.
In short, are you going to become a democrat, or continue as a dictator?
Guy Green Old Town Swindon
Learners’ award
Every year we celebrate the outstanding achievements of thousands of remarkable adults who have transformed their lives, and often the lives of their families and communities, through learning.
The Adult Learners’ Week Awards are open to anyone aged 19 or over (or over 16 if they have had a break of three years from formal education) and recognise people with incredible learning stories which will inspire other adults.
Nominations for this year’s awards in England are open until 5pm on Friday, Jan 27. Give your learners, or someone you know, the recognition they deserve.
More details are available by calling NIACE on 0116 204 4200 or at www.alw.org.uk.
Richard Crabb Adult Learners’ Week Team NIACE 21 De Montfort Street Leicester LE1 7GE
Give haven help
I’ve read lots of letters of support and advice for John Warwick at Swindon District Animal Haven and wonder how many of these people make the trip over there to get stuck in and help the animals?
I’ve been helping since I read about the court case as I thought I could help on site and find some homes for the animals. It’s been very hard work because sometimes I’m the only volunteer. There are some dedicated people who go, but they’re few.
Getting the dogs out after their prolonged enclosure is always my priority because obviously dogs get very stressed in kennels. But cats, goats, chickens, turkeys, rabbits and sheep are all waiting for water, food, cleaning, and affection. You can imagine. Please help!
Think about whether you can give a loving home or permanent safe haven to one of these creatures. Please try to come over on a regular basis and spend a few hours or whatever you can manage.
It would be so appreciated. Walk a dog and delight in his exuberance at being in the woods or chasing a ball in the paddock.
Cuddle a lovely cat which will soak up your affection as long as you are willing to give it. I know chickens are a bit different, but they need our care and attention too! Goats, sheep and rabbits wait their turn. So much to do!
Barbara Collins Stanway Close Swindon
Frankly awful
Disgusted to see that cocky, cocksure Frankie Cocozza has been handsomely paid to appear on Celebrity Big Brother on Channel 5. Cocozza was removed from The X Factor on ITV because of his predilection for cocaine. Television companies give with one hand when it suits, and take with the other. Morality becomes a side issue.
Ultimately C.B.B. viewers get what they deserve, rubbish television, filled with distinctly odd people. Three weeks of posturing Cocozza, whose motivation in life appears to be partying, he suggested he wants a threesome with the twins in the house. What sort of example of a young man is Frankie Cocozza? Judge for yourselves, if you can bear the pain.
Mrs A Reeve Okus Road Swindon
Punish them
It was the British government that approved the substandard French PIP breast implants for use in Britain.
This was a negligent decision and the person who approved these PIP implants should be brought to justice.
This mistake has brought misery to thousand of women in Britain, and the cost of correcting this terrible mistake will amount to many millions of pounds.
Such criminal negligence should not go unpunished.
Steve Halden Beaufort Green Swindon
