Parks Councillor Swindon - What have I been doing?

A POSITIVE change has occurred in the way Swindon school pupils view tobacco
according to the annual school survey results.

A total of 1,652 pupils from secondary and primary schools took part in this year’s Health Related Behaviour Survey, organised by Swindon Borough Council and Swindon Primary Care Trust as members of the Swindon Tobacco Partnership.
Key results in 2008 compared to the first annual survey in 2002 reveal:

• 91% of boys and 93% of girls in 2008 (10/11 year olds) said they had never
tried smoking compared to 78% of boys and 84% of girls in 2002.

• In 2002, 22.5% of Year 10 (14/15 year olds) pupils smoked a cigarette within the previous seven days of the survey, which fell to 18% in 2008

• 16% of Year 10 pupils said they had bought cigarettes from a shop in 2002, which fell to 10% in 2008.

Whilst I am concerned as to how persecuted smokers may feel at the moment, I am very pleased that less young people are taking up smoking. The long term health of those that do smoke is not good, anything we can do to help that is a good thing. For those who do smoke I hope we become a tolerant society respecting an individuals right to choose whilst maintaining a level of measures to prevent the effects of passive smoking.

More locally the Square is changing Good news There are no plans to allow a Christmas market though as the developers are not keen on the informal trading already taking place and don't want to encourage more. Our representative on the regeneration board did try.

Apparently the Reuban George Hall may be turned over to the Youth service for their use. I first heard about this at the Forum meeting last week as if it had already happened though I'm not sure it has. It would be great to have youth activities central to the ward although I am concerned at the total loss of the community facility. If it were up to me I would prefer youth services to access it as and when ie. Every Friday night, so the rest of us could use it at other times. We will see what happens.

We had a lunchtime meeting on 106 money today; this is the money that is gievn to the Council when there is a development. The money goes towards facilities for those who will move in, schools, community facilities, parks, roads etc. I have asked how much Parks has had and where it has gone as we have seen the development of the Square and smaller patches of new housing elsewhere and so far I don't know where all the 106 money has gone. I'll let you know when I hear.

It's been a busy week mainly because I squeezed an extra night shift in in preparation for paying for Christmas! I have managed to keep on top of Council work too, with 6 meetings since I last wrote plus Full Council. Typically the one Council I can't make ends at 8.30, next time when I am there we will all be there until 10pm!

Carers - big respect
Last Saturday I was out with Anne Snelgrove the MP and a team of people and I heard an incredible story when a woman told me of her life, caring for her parents. Wow, what a story, what a women. It wasnt that they were anything other than normal elderly parents who found life harder and harder without help but it was that she sacrificed her own career, social life etc to be there for them, her story has stayed with me all week. I know there are many many out there doing just the same, so this is for carers everywhere who care for parents, children, neighbours (we had a lady over 90 admitted to my ward this week who's neighbour had been caring for her). Huge, huge respect and admiration. If I could wish for one thing for carers it would be that they got looked after too, whether that is through respite, day centres, holiday clubs (children) or just having a long relaxing soak in the bath with the door locked and phone off without fear of being called out...quickly! If you or anyone you know is caring, please encourage them to take time for themselves too.

Youth Led Meeting
One meeting this week was taken by the youth forum. They challenged us by looking at transport and leisure costs, whether we listen to them and report back, the need for youth facilities and how they are seen in the media. The youngsters that led the meeting were brilliant, confident, clear on their points and brief when they made them; some councillors could learn from them! It was a very valuable meeting and I will be keeping an eye on some of the points made to see how we progress and make changes.

Arts Centre
I'm also on a task group which is looking at the Swindon Arts Centre, so any comments at all you have on that please let me know. Ever been? What did you think? If not do you know where it is? What would get you there? What have you heard about it? etc

Another school holiday, another late blog, sorry

It was a funny week, freezing cold, a fair few meetings, lots to read and the build up to the American Election.
I wish I understood the way the American election is decided, I've looked on the BBC website and even the newsround site and although I'm a little clearer, it's still very confusing Right result however they got there He has a very big job to do now though. It's an amazing thing, a black president, in a country that only outlawed racial segregation in 1964! It really hit me when someone was interviewed and said how things had been pre 1964, Wow I know when I was in Alabama in the 70's there was still a large black/white divide, I am really keen to know how much that has really changed. If not enough, then hopefully Obama will move things forward now. Some fear he may be assasinated, including my husband, I guess it's a possibility but not one I want to think about. I hope he is all the US want him to be.

I have been watching many of the programmes on World War 1 which seems so long ago, very powerful when you really stop and think about it just how many died then and in WW2, what a price and it still goes on. I guess there will always be struggles around the world, but I hope they become less and we learnt to recognise, appreciate and embrace our differences. I have my poppy and every year as I get older it means a little more to me. One of my colleagues at work is laying a wreath in London as she was ex RAF, although I knew she was, it brings it home when someone you know talks about it.

Lots of reflecting, I must have time ...too right I've taken the week off work now the kids are back at school, so lots of time to think and tidy, and shop and clean

As Labour Councillors we had an away day last week, which was great. Lots of vision for Swindon, which does not include a canal! Watch this space for more info as I am able to share it with you.

The lack of housing is causing problems, I know of two familes in cramped flats, desperate to move and on the waiting list but with no hope of a move anytime soon. I do what I can but it's frustrating++ for all of us. I've also been dealing with broken boilers, bad parking & overgrown council bushes.

Recent meetings have included:
- the community group SWAP which is working on funds for South Swindon football team, a park for Park South & a childrens christmas party, to name a few things.
- An tenants meeting looking at whether or not to end a womans tenanacy for anti-social behaviour and noise.
and
- Adoption Panel, always lots to read and in depth thought and discussion about children and people coming to adopt.

So that's me, still busy, am also door to door at the moment as the weather allows and am getting the latest leaflet out.