Regeneration? More like degeneration...
3:55pm Wednesday 8th February 2012 in Your Say
Regeneration? More like degeneration...
Rather than excuses, the people of Swindon want action on Regeneration.
However, Tory Leader Rod Bluh (Adver, February 4) shows once again how out of touch he is. After eight years of promises and plans, the people of Swindon walk into a town of boarded up waste land, derelict buildings and eyesores. The old college site with its broken windows is the most visual reminder of the Tory failure. Regeneration has turned into degeneration.
At the last meeting of the council, the Tories passed a motion congratulating themselves on regeneration. When I mention this to developers, business leaders and people on the doorstep, the reaction is the same – total disbelief. It is sad that the Tories are now in absolute denial about regeneration and have become completely out of touch with the aspirations of the people of Swindon.
Some back bench Conserv-atives have even broken rank to express their concerns. Coun Mike Bawden, former leader of the council, said last year: “If you now say to the residents of Swindon about new plans they will look at us and ask ‘Haven’t we heard this all before?’. We have no credibility, we’ve made a complete mess of this before and I’m totally frustrated.”
These are sensible words, but according to the current Tory Deputy Leader Garry Perkins, such sentiments are “talking the town down”. It seems that this is the only way to stifle debate and hide the Tory failure on regeneration.
Swindon Labour is determined to take the town forward and put us on the right road to regeneration. If elected we will implement a new master plan to shape the future of the town. This creates a clear vision for the town and provides developers with certainty to invest. It is the foundation upon which the regeneration of Bristol, Bath, Gloucester and Manchester have been built.
However, from the start Rod Bluh has been against this idea. A year ago he totally dismissed it. However when businesses, developers and people across Swindon joined our call for a master plan, he has been forced to accept our policy. His failure to develop a master plan is a key reason why regeneration has failed. And it is his denial that prevents us from getting regeneration moving.
Coun Mark Dempsey Deputy Leader, Swindon Labour Group of Councillors
It is a green
I wish to correct a misleading and factually incorrect comment by Swindon Borough Council Law & Democratics Director, Stephen Taylor, as to how land usage qualifies for a town or village green.
Under the Commons Act, people in the locality of the proposed land must have used the land for 20 years. This does not mean that an individual must have used the land himself for 20 years, but collectively with others in the locality.
Buckhurst Field has been in existence since the 1950s, when the Parks Estate was built. It has been well used since then by many people. Therefore, the question of usage for 20 years cannot be argued and the town or village green application cannot be rejected on the grounds stated by Stephen Thomas.
J Lewis Gorse Hill Swindon
Pharmacy truth
I was very pleased that the Swindon Council Planning Committee voted against the Hawthorn Medical Centre having a 100-hour pharmacy.
This was the correct decision, as not only did it listen to over 1, 200 residents, but it safeguarded the already well established Hawthorn Pharmacy on Cricklade Road, which employs local people to serve the local community.
They do this excellently, and have done for several decades.
I was sad to find out that the medical centre have appealed to the planning inspectorate in Bristol.
I really hope they see that it is not required and find out the truth, that just one doctor wants to play businessman and pull in extra income from an unwelcome society, rather than listen to his current patients and residents, who have already rejected this proposal.
D Ford Burbage Road, Swindon
Salary shame
It is generally agreed that BBC presenters are paid huge salaries.
The secrecy surrounding these salaries suggests the BBC presenters feel guilt about the unfairness. With millions unemployed, the £3 a week licence fee is taken from poor people to give the BBC presenters luxury lifestyles.
The wealthy presenters could show some generosity by giving 20 percent of their hush money to a poverty-based charity. I am thinking of presenters like Ann Robinson, Jeremy Paxman, Gabby Logan, John Humphries and Alan Hansen, who all lift small fortunes.
Max Nottingham St Faith’s Street, Lincoln
Help hospice
I am the aunt of Shaniqwa Kyana Gooden, who recently died of cancer, aged three.
I am hosting/organising a charity fundraiser on her behalf on August 3 at Brixton Clubhouse in London.
All funds will be for the Helen and Douglas Charity Hospice in Oxford.
I am kindly requesting a donation to assist in paying for the urban artist Wretch 32 to be a headline act.
The event will consist of a fashion show and performers. I envisage we will need around £2,000 to £5,000 to guarantee this artist at the event.
Please email me at diavan1@ yahoo.co.uk if you can help. Thank you.
Nadia Gooden Charles Coveney Road London
Changing times
Your paper recently reported on the plans to transform the former Great Western Railways Staff Association Sports Ground into housing.
The report ended: “The proposed development will make a substantial positive contribution to the character and environment of this part of Swindon.”
We were informed that the developers had originally requested permission to build 245 houses.
As they have now re-submitted plans to build 226 properties, must we look on this as a positive contribution to our environment?
When my wife and I first came to live in Shrivenham Road 37 years ago, the main reason for our choice of housing was the location; we were surrounded by playing and sports fields; it was a truly fantastic environment and a place of character to bring up our children.
I was playing football for Garrard Athletic at that time, so it was a dream move, as their sports ground was at the Stratton end of Shrivenham Road, just opposite Swindon Town FC ground.
To the front of our house was the Old Wills sports ground with its clubhouse in the background allowing people to meet socially, as well as participate in indoor and outdoor sports.
The old GWR ground, which is at the back of our house, was the jewel in the crown with its old Victoria building and playing fields in pristine condition.
The facilities provided the main recreation and meeting place for thousands of railway workers at the turn of the 20th century and well into the 1970s.
At the backend of the GWR ground was the Drakes Way sports ground where about 40 football teams would play during the weekend.
Today, none of the areas I have described remain, except for a reduced area in the county ground extension.
The short sightedness of our council has taken its toll on what was once a vibrant community.
What we are left with now is the 24/7 vibrations of the Tesco generators, plus constant traffic noise up and down Ocotal Way.
Sticking another 226 properties on the old GWR ground will remove the last bastion of what we might call countryside from inner Swindon.
It will also remove the vibrant wildlife and bird sanctuary that have thrived since the ground lay bare for the last nine years.
Sadly, I feel the council will inevitably grant the application as they think it will “substantially improve our environment.”
Joe O’Brien Shrivenham Road, Swindon
Calling teachers
The alarming rise of youth unemployment means more than one in five young people in Swindon is struggling to find a job.
The Prince’s Trust Youth Index has also warned that a lack of daily routine, including regular bedtimes and set mealtimes, can cause young people to struggle at school, with thousands ending up unconfident, under-qualified and unemployed.
Young people need more support than ever. Our schemes help the hardest-to-reach young people move successfully through education and into jobs.
We have launched our largest consultation with teachers, exploring the support they need to help the hardest-to-reach pupils. To get involved, go to www.princes-trust.org.uk/ consultation Rick Libbey Prince’s Trust regional director The Prince’s Trust South West
