There are community grants available

Grassroots Grants

Grassroots Grants are there to -
To support new community activity contributing to the Swindon Borough Council's and the communities' priorities
To provide activities and amenities that improve the quality of people's lives
To improve the connections and links between Swindon Borough Council's councillors and local communities
To assist small organisations to develop themselves

Any 'small group' can apply, which has:

A management group
A governing document (e.g. constitution, statement of aims and objectives)
A bank account
A small group is one having a turnover of less than £50,000 per annum.

There is info here if you want to apply or know of a group it may help.

An update I recently received about the potential reduction in Council housing rent :-

Council Rents Increases 2009-10

The Government announced on Friday 6th March that financial support would be made available to assist Councils cut their planned rent increases due to the current economic climate. The Government is aiming to halve the average guideline rent increase it issues from 6.2% to 3.1%.

Tenants however will need to be patient in waiting for the rent reduction. The Council has already issued its rent increases for 2009/10 and we are waiting for further Government guidance before we are able to implement the rent reduction. The
reduction will apply to rent only and not other charges, eg garages, heating, neighbourhood wardens.

It is likely to be several months before we are in a position to reduce the rents, initially waiting for Government guidance. Current legislation requires housing authorities to give tenants four weeks notice of any variation in their rent. It is also a complex matter to adjust rent levels, as computer systems will require updating. Housing Benefit will need to be recalculated and new rent cards will have to be issued.

In the meantime tenants must continue to pay their rent in line with their existing rent increase letters that are effective from 6th April 2009. When changes are applied to the rent accounts it will be adjusted back to the start of the new rent year (6th April 2009) and tenants will not end up being charged more than they should.

I'll let you know as and when I hear anymore, hopefully good news
Finally my email has changed, I can now be contacted on howardsr@btinternet.com

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I've also been busy elsewhere. Last week I met up with the local Police at the library to talk about the new police pledge. You can now type in your postcode here or text the word PLEDGE & your postcode to 66101 and you will receive a text back with info on your local police team.

Yesterday I went out with a housing officer Sarah and a neighbourhood warden Joan on their normal walkabout in Park South. 16 points were noted down by Sarah, the wardens had quite a few and I had 5 things to follow up which has kept me busy since I got back. Issues noted included illegal parking, untidy gardens, repairs to walls, and lack of litter bins. The wardens and the Housing officer go on walk about around the Parks regularly, I will try and join them again. It was great to be able to talk about issues and share information.

Last week I went to the latest Citizenship Ceremony, about 35 people from many different nationalities became British citizens and had a celebration, it was great. The ceremony involved pledging alliegance to the country and the queen, the National athem was sung and there was details of versus I didn't even know! I also learnt all about the history of Swindons coat of arms too. Everyone had their photo taken with the mayor, and was given a commemorative medal.

We are still working to do all we can to save the libraries and park & ride. Casework is still coming in, a great deal of mould around causing problems with families with young children. Also problems with some repairs, uncollected plastic bottle bags and a car having been damaged. It's very varied!

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Casework is coming thick and fast at the moment, the latest things I am working on behalf of residents are : -

- The parking still yet to happen in Studland Close

- Leaking toilet and shower I got onto that one very quickly!

- Someone threatened with eviction as the benefits system is taking so long to sort out his claim. On this I have heard many times how papers taken in are lost so the claim has been delayed, has this ever happened to you or someone you know? Let me know Email - howards@zoom.co.uk as I am keen to keep an eye on this.

- Questions about how we managed the snow as a Council, snow plough unable to negotiate speed humps and lack of gritting.

- A query about the underpass at Kirby going.

- The new bus routes/ times causing some issues.

And

- Two issues about the recent allocation of school places

So it's all go

We are also still trying to do all we can to save the Gorsehill & Even Swindon libraries, I can't understand why the spending on hospitality has not been reviewed and surely spending £1.4m on advertising is too much if we can't keep local services?

I went into Swindon dance and had a chat about how they will manage with the budget cut. It was great to hear of the work done in getting dance into the community through schools, and the group for able bodied and the disabled working on performances together. But depressing to hear of things having to stop; including reduced rates for those on low income. I believe the arts should be for all, not based on ability to pay. I accept this can't always be the case, but we had a good thing in Swindon, it was inclusive, it was well used and now we are at risk of losing it.

Did you see this ? Since we have our own parking problems and I could see this working in some of our roads, I think it is worth looking into, what do you think?

I also dropped in on the International Womens Day event yesterday at Broadgreen, I have to confess I avoided the exercise! There was a good turnout and everyone was chatting to each other. It's not on the Adver site yet but here's a link to what Anne Snelgrove MP has to say on the day.

Just off to cook Chilli, it's my daughters 15th birthday meal, I'd have preferred a roast but it's not my choice!

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As a Labour Group of Councillors we had an information meeting about the Housing options yesterday. Here is the issue as I understand it ;-

As a council, we have 10,552 properties.

We collect rent, and provide up keep to all of these properties.

14P in every £1 paid in rent goes in to a central pot controlled by central Govt for redistribution.

We dont get anything from this redistribution, it goes to councils who cant afford to maintain services through the rent payments. Maybe they have lots of empty properties, I know some councils up north suffer from this.

Anyway I digress, ...

looking ahead we will not be able to maintain the current level of service we give tenants in terms of replacement works, repairs etc as we do now. We can see this by looking at future rents and the money going to the central pot and at our own costs of keeping up repairs and work on the properties.

So

we need to ask everyone who rents one of our properties if they

A. Want to stay with us but will get less from us

B. Want to transfer to someone else, like a housing association who have the benefit of not having to pay into the central pot so keep money we lose.

C. Want to go to an Arms Length Management Organisation (stay as we are but with management services provided by an agency that is separate but reporting to the Council)

D. Want a Private Finance Initiative – a method of attracting private funding to improve the stock, but with the Council still keeping a long term interest in the housing stock

The desision will rest with the tenants. If the choice is to stay with the council we will have to look at ways at getting more for our money and maybe getting more money in.

If it is decided to look beyound the council we will look at which model tenants want before any final desision is made.

Is that any clearer that it was before you started reading my blog ?! If you want to know more do check out the web page here and you can always contact me

News from the Police, Jan 09 newsletter

OPERATION DRIPSTONE

Criminal Damage

Your neighbourhood Police team are undertaking an Operation, with intelligence lead, targeted patrols, to counter the scourge of offences of criminal damage and anti-social behaviour.

We are targeting known locations at key times with a patrol strategy which is geared towards preventing these types of offences.

We are working hard to make your neighbourhood a much safer place to live.

THE MISUSE OF DRUGS

Any use or supply of any illegal drugs will not be tolerated and you, the community have asked us to help you clean up your streets.

If you have any information that may assist the Police in combating drugs offences, please let us know. You can email us at :

parksandwalcoteastnpt@wiltshire.pnn.police.uk

or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

PCSO 6207 Lucy PLUMB

PCSO Lucy PLUMB has joined our team of PCSO’s and hopefully, by now many of you will have seen her or met her. Lucy is already undertaking some great work with the local schools and is already proving to be a valuable and hard working member of the team

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Gritting

A spokesperson for Swindon Borough Council said: “Despite the national shortage of supplies to grit roads, the Council is well-prepared and coping well with the adverse weather. Although supplies are running low, the usual routes will be gritted tonight, including public transport routes and minor roads. We are also continuing to grit shopping areas and footbridges, in addition to refilling salt boxes. Full details of the gritting routes, and any other changes to services, are available on the Council’s website at www.swindon.gov.uk “

Waste Collection

A spokesperson for Swindon Borough Council said: “Due to the ongoing adverse weather conditions, we are adapting our services where necessary. Kerbside recycling collections may be disrupted. If your box is not emptied, please take it in and save it until next week. Emptying wheelie bins is a more time-consuming process in the snow. Some wheelie bin collections are therefore being delayed. We ask residents to leave their bins out and thank them for their patience. If other wheelie bins in the street have been emptied, residents should call: (01793) 445501 to register a missed collection. Normal waste collection services are expected to resume on Monday (9 Feb).”

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Don't forget the open session tomorrow about the options for the future of Swindons Council Housing

There is a Swindon wide information day to be held on Saturday, January 17, from 11am to 3pm, at the Steam Museum in Kemble Drive.

The Parks public meeting on the same is still on February 19th @ 6.30pm, but there will be a new venue, I'll let you know where it will be when I hear.

More events too -

Activity Day for Park South Community Centre Feb 14th 2009
On Saturday 14th February An Adult activity day at the Park South Community and Training Facility Cranmore Avenue, Park South. The day is being organised to give people the opportunity to try a range of different healthy activities FREE.
The programme includes:
Main Hall 10am to 3pm
Wii Bowling and Tennis - Short Mat Bowls and Short Tennis
Large Meeting Room 10am to 12.30pm
Crèche
Tea Dance
Seated Exercise
Tai Chi
Boccia
Salsa
Line Dancing
Health Eating Stall
Primary Care Trust
Swindon Card Promotion
Free Tea and soft drinks
Adults will also have the opportunity to take part in 30 minute walking and/or bike ridding exercise run by trained instructors.
Parents with children will have the opportunity to bring their children along to a crèche run between 10.00am and 12.30pm, so that they are able to join in.

Why not come along with friends and neighbours and have a go the activities are for all adults, no matter what their age and ability. Trained instructors will be on hand to help and advise.

Even if you do not want to join in the activities they can come along have a cup of tea or coffee and look around the Centre. People will be on hand to discuss what local people would like to see running within the Facility.

For more information contact Bob Johnson on 07766368375 or email bob.Johnson@swindon.gov.uk

Instead of hiding my bit on the bottom here I will write again soon with no event info

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There is a Swindon wide information day to be held on Saturday, January 17, from 11am to 3pm, at the Steam Museum in Kemble Drive.

In Parks there is going to a public meeting on February 19th @ 6.30pm, in the Reuben George Community Centre, on Cavendish Square.

Hopefully all tenants will find out all the information and vote whichever way they believe would be best. It is a hard desision. One thing in the favour of leaving the council would be that there would be no national subsidy payment so more of the rent paid would stay local and could be used to improve the housing stock. We give about £9 million at the moment and that would most likely rise next year.

But then we need full information on the implications of leaving the council, what it's like to be under a housing association too to ensure we hear all sides.

No immediate decision needed, they'll be plenty of talk and debate I'm sure.

If I don't blog before, have a very Happy Christmas

Just a quick note about the recycling and rubbish collections -
As PARK SOUTH's normal day is Christmas day, the collection will be made instead on Tues 23rd.
AS PARK NORTH's normal day is Christmas day, the collection will be made instead on Weds 24th.
Hope that's clear!

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Childrens services have all been affected by the baby P incident. Like childrens services everywhere we are looking again at all the families who may need help to prevent any such thing happening here. I do feel for social workers who bear the brunt when things go wrong, I guess noone can stop people insistant on harming children and it is them that deserve the full anger for what they have done. That is not to say lessons can't be learnt and they should be of course. But I do have reservations about the upheaval of whole new reviews and changes in practice that have been suggested. If there was such big overhaul everytime something went wrong in govt, leaked memos on trains etc, perhaps they would see that actually it can mean attention is taken away from the children who we should be focusing on. One good thing it has made many councillors sit up and take note of their responsibility as Corporate parents.

I have been keeping busy, chairing childrens overview which looked at at how we consult with young people and the schools forum which I now know a little more about. There's also been adoption panel, meetings about the Councils bid in for Schools for the future. If we are successful in our bid, it will enable more Swindon secondary schools to have large investment in them for improved buildings, new ways of learning etc. Here's hoping!

I've been trying to get to the bottom of what is happening for youngsters across Park North & Park South. There is a large shortage of youth workers not helped by the council having a recruitment freeze. When someone goes at the moment it means noone can take their place, awful shortgaes everywhere. I am trying to see if more can be done to put across a convincing arguement for more youth workers dispite the freeze as I understand some departments are getting around it. I've left two messages and emailed but have had no reply, I will keep trying.

I did manage to ge to a real warm feeling event last Thursday the Special Schools Concert, is was fantastic. Kids singing all sorts of songs, some soloists, some acting with their walking frames and wheel chairs and others joining in with help to play their drums. They were all stars and seemed to enjoy themselves as much as we did being in the audience. Fantastic.

Have to laugh about the magic roundabouts Christmas tree Here's hoping they have more luck next time. It does add to my concern that the money could have been better spent. Here's hoping it is up soon so we can enjoy it as long as possible.

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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.

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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

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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.

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This week is heavy on meetings for me, I've just left Housing Advisory Forum, we were looking at the housing options ie whether we'd be better off keeping the housing we have as Council or moving it into an independent group etc. The more I hear the more I think moving may be a better option and I never thought I'd say that.
We also looked at a new repairs programme that was so successful things got left so it's being re evaluated and started again. Then we looed at how the recycling and wheelie bins are going which is good People are getting good at recycling and are still using the bin bottles banks too, there is only about 50% less usage of them.

Yesterday saw me at the Standards meeting, making sure we all obey the rules and looking at whether or not the rules need tweeking, that was yesterdays meeting. I would like the rule tweeked that meant I had to give up my school nurse job but can see the sense in it so didn't bring that one up as an idea. It also monitors when standards have been broken by Councillors and Officers and I'm pleased to say these are down at present.

We had a drop in session looking at benefits, apparently Parks get the most benefits, council tax benefit and housing benefit in all the wards in Swindon. But we have an older population, in Parks the most claimants are 66-81year olds where as in Penhill the biggest group is 19-30 year olds and Central the highest is 31-45 year olds. Interesting, it made me think.

Friday last week I was in the town centre with the Simon Cowell look alike and Batman promoting the benefits of being on the electoral register and being able to vote We were well received mainly because we came withn balloons, free pens, keyrings etc but people who hadn't thought if it were keen to be on the register too. Only trouble was we couldn't give them forms then as they are all bar coded so it does rely on people contacting the council later to join. I must follow up and see how many do.

Finally last week and I thought I'd already covered this but it appears not, I went to the launch of the film made by the peer educators. It's called 'Best friends with Chlamydia', you can see it here . Hopefully it will spread the message of safe sex to our young people and older people too.

Better go, off to work again, no rest....
Have a good week.

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Two big issues appear to dominate the Adver at the moment, Speed Cameras and the elected Mayor debate. Have you had your say? What do you think?

I'm unsure about elected Mayors, I do think residents should decide whether or not we want one, but more than just on an Adver poll which for some reason I can't access anyway If we are serious we should put all the info out to every voter and have a referendum. If the people say 'Yeah' then so bit. The only anxiety I would have is the Mayor ending up being a one issue or huge personality Mayor which leaves the council vulnerable. Political parties have there weaknesses but at least it means Councillors are accountable more regularly than every four year when they are next up for election. Once we have an elected Mayor that's it for the term, and they are alone to do as and what they please Get a god one, brilliant but bad......

So, Speed Cameras, no messing I am for them. Interesting the cabinet paper is written in a very different way to normal in my opinion. You can see it here . The last bit reads...

Options available to Swindon Borough Council
2.26 There appear therefore to be two options available to the Council at this
time in addition to the decision already made to confirm 08/09 funding.
2.27 Option 1: No change - Swindon Borough Council signs up to the redrafted
SCP agreement and identifies in that agreement the financial contribution
that will be made over the financial years 2009/10 to 2010/11. This
enables Swindon Borough Council to retain the full capital allocation within
the Local Transport Plan capital programme process, and £67,000 of the
revenue allocation to offset staff costs in the Road Safety Team with the
remainder going to the SCP. This follows the same approach as
previously and would give partners greater certainty over future funding,
but would not enable the Council to review funding annually.
2.28 A variation on this option would be not to identify the financial contribution
but authorise the Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Strategic
Planning to agree this.
2.29 Option 1 gives the partnership greater certainty over funding but assumes
that Safety Cameras continue to be the most effective means of achieving
accident reduction. It does not address the Council’s need to review how
best to achieve accident reduction in the Borough.

2.30 Option 2: This option requires that the Council completes work on a
revised Strategic Plan for Accident Reduction to ensure that we are devoting our resources to those interventions which will have most effect.
It also requires that we work with the Police and Wiltshire County Council
to review and restructure the Road Safety partnership to ensure that we
are all focused on tackling the key issues. However, to ensure that we are
able to use the funds available to us more flexibly it would also require that
the Council gives formal notice that it will withdraw from the Wiltshire and
Swindon Safety Camera Partnership.
2.31 If Members are inclined to accept this option it is essential that more work
is completed on the required accident prevention measures that we wish
to adopt. We also need to be clear on the role of our partners in helping
us to achieve an improvement in KSI performance. It is therefore
recommended that a report on the Strategic Plan for Accident Reduction
be brought back to Cabinet in 3 months setting out progress in delivering
the above recommendations.
2.32 The cabinet report would need to cover a revised SPAR for Swindon and
how the Council could deliver this. Even so, there are a number of risks
associated with this approach. These are;
�� Unless other measures are clearly defined and targeted there could
be a negative impact upon accident reduction in Swindon.
�� We need to maintain a relationship with the partners such as the Police and Wiltshire County Council. If the Council has to organise its own Education and Speed Awareness courses, this could have a significant impact on resources and/or budgets
�� It may undermine aspects of the Local Area Agreement.
2.33 In addition there are financial impacts:
�� There is an estimated £360k maximum cost to be met by Swindon Borough Council through downsizing the operations of the Partnership. This would need to be paid from the grant allocation and would mean that the funding was not available for other
measures for at least 12 months. To cover this expenditure from the Council’s overall budget could have a significant impact on the Council’s budget.
�� No funding currently exists for the above or any other resultant
costs in withdrawal.

Most worrying for me is the year wait whilst plans are made and money put by before we see these new accident reduction measures. Accidents are caused by many things and speed is not always the issue thankfully. I hope accidents reduce in Swindon whatever is decided next week. We all need to be better pedestrians, better on bikes and better in cars lets hope either way our statistics get better as we all become more aware.

Better go now, just off to work

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A chance for you to meet and speak to the agencies who are working with you to tackle crime and grime in your area ;

Swindon Community Safety Partnership Team
Anti-Social Behaviour Team
Crime Reduction Team
Neighbourhood Policing Team
Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service
Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services
Swindon Borough Council Officers from: Housing, Environmental Services and Trading Standards
Neighbourhood Wardens

Tuesday 14th Parks and Walcot

Cavendish Square 08:30 to 09:30
New College 10:00 to 11:30
Welcombe Avenue 12:00 to 14:00

Also, particualry if you have recent problems with new neighbours - THIS FRIDAY – 10th OCTOBER AT 7.00 p.m. AT THE DOME, in Walcot there is a meeting. It is for anyone who is having problems particularly with neighbours. We are concerned that not enough is done to ensure the right people move into the right places. Please come if you can, and have your say.

And Finally something for young children. To celebrate the opening of the Library in Cavendish Square there is going to be a bookstart event. Weds 15th Oct 1.30pm Parks Library. A pirate theme, craft, and refreshments and every child aged 18 - 30 months will get a free Bookstart Plus pack.

Talking of Cavendish Square especially as the article in the Adver provoked a response, what do you think of the new look Square? What could be better? What is an improvment? What lessons should be learnt for future developments?

Would appreciate your thoughts

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Did you see the Adver yesterday? You will not believe how hard I worked to get the Adver photo guy to not take photos of the more derelict bits of the Square which are still a work in progress. After the photos of Penhill the day before I was determined Parks would be seen in the good light it deserves. Awful photo of me (according to my daughter! )but never mind
Apologies for those who were unhappy with it being Cav Square too as I've had phone calls from some unhappy people. The square was not well designed at all for anyone with a disability (or a buggy) which I acknowledge. We did get photos of Oaktree and other areas but I can't select which photos go in. I'm happy with what the Adver did though and if I knew the reporters email, I would email and say so, so rare is it for me to be happy with what is said in newspapers!

I was busy the rest of the ten days too.

My HPV vaccine career may be over It turns out the school nurse service is being seconded over to the Council. So I'm left with a conflict of interest ... and no job! This all does need to be confirmed and I'm praying I can stay, but not hopeful.

Full Council was OK, very, very long but OK. Lots of quite good debate. Probably nothing changed anything which is always frustrating but such is full council ever to be when there is such a big majority of one party.

I went to SWAP on Friday, that was a good meeting too, we are progressing on a play area for Park South and hopefully help for South Swindon Football club.

Saturday saw me out on the doorstep with Anne Snelgrove MP, cold but never the less a good time we had. Picked up some new casework, which I've had some joy on though still more to go.

Sunday we were all recovering from the gloom when the Town lost to Milwall, not good.

Monday was a whole day of Care Matters Conference all about corporate parenting. Very moving drama of a kid in care, had many in tears and choked me. Lots of good net working and finding out how we could do things better. Excellent day. Then there was SACRE in the evening, looking at how RE is taught in schools.

Tuesday, Children’s Overview looking at school buildings that need repairs and replacing. It was hard to hear of one school, where cupboards are being used as rooms as there is nowhere else. Plus wheelchair uses where they corridors are too narrow and no ramps into the building. Even with the massive school building programme we have had there are still loads more to do.

Wednesday was all at work at GWH, with a local Labour party meeting in the evening.

Thursday caught up with my reading for next weeks meetings and my casework, and had coffee with a friend.

Today GWH stuff and soon... some friends over for a curry. We have no kids, two on sleepovers and one out !

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Following my blog last week we have now had the licensing committee meeting and it has been decided that the three stalls, the donut and sausage stalls by Iceland and the mobile phone stall by Woolworths will all be unable to trade in their present areas from Feb 09. I am disappointed. It does hurt that they are small business which I feel we should be supporting. The vote was not unanimous.
We are most likely not able to offer new places for these stalls to be. There is a possibility of the mobile phone stall being up by the new library, there were no others offered to the two food stalls.
My mind this week has been on the licensing meeting, although I have tried to keep up with the Labour Conference. It remains to be seen how much of what we heard will be actioned and by when but I am pleased to hear about funding for two year olds childcare. It was an issue raised only last month with me by a young mum who works only to pay for childcare as she gets little above the cost of nursery for her son.

I started as a school nurse today, immunising Year 8's with the HPV injection. The girls in Commonweal were very brave and all seemed aware of what we were doing and why. Both the girls and the parents signed the consent form which was a good move. I see one school has opted out of letting its premises be used for the injection, I hope it turns out to be alone. Cervical Cancer is an awful illness, I am keen for my daughters to get this but they'll have to wait as they are in the wrong years for this year. At up to £90 a jab, the govt are spreading out the cost of immunnising all young girls over a few years.

I've also been busy being a corporate parents. All Councillors are 'corporate parents' to the children in local authority care and it is up to us to make sure they have the education and services that they should. I take this very seriouisly and remind other councillors of this important role often too. This week I had Foster Panel and Adoption Panel training. There was some talk of a National trend where Childrens Consultants are no longer keen to diagnose shaken baby syndrome or even other non accidental injury as they risk being discredited and sued. This is worrying, it is awful if parents are wrongly accused and I support anything that makes things fair but I guess what wories me is vulnerable children being let down with tragic consequences. The balance for social services and health care workers is huge and I have huge respect for all in that field.

I've got a bit behind on my casework and will be onto it tomorrow. I have replies to questions from residents that I have asked on their behalf, the replies need to be passed back to people, sorry if you are waiting.

Full Council tomorrow, great joy!

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It's all go now everyone is at school. The Advers been busy too, my colleagues had a clean up and the Tories went back on the promise of no building on the Headlands site.

I find myself n the Committee looking at the pub as in the Adver today. That meeting is on Thursday so if you have any thoughts let me know before then please Later on the same committee is also looking at whether or not to continue the licences of three stalls in the town centre; the doughnut & Sausage vans near Iceland and the mobile phone accessory stall near Woolworths. I have my own thoughts on this and would value any input you can give me too before Tuesday 23rd when the meeting is looking at this.

It's been busy with the casework too, I'm chasing up a number of issues I've yet to have response on. These include a new cycle path which is right across someones frount path, a request to buy some land for building, a question about putting fences up and also bushes needing to be trimmed - alot! I have had some joy recently though with a family very overcrowded being rehoused, and dumped rubbish moved

There's been a hold up too on my finding out how the schools all did in SATs, A levels and GCSE's. I had a meeting organised to discuss this for this week and it's been cancelled. The reason given is that there is a report going to cabinet in October so I have to wait til then! What!! I have explained that it was results I was keen to know not standards, I've asked for any info I am allowed and will see what happens. I'm not sure I quite agree with things being kept from me, it makes me wonder why and wonder what else is being kept hidden

The speed camera debate continues, I personally will be pleased when the camera on Quenns Drive is up and going again, I worry about the speeds I have seen people driving along there. I've not heard when it will be working again, watch this space I will let you know when I hear.

Better go I don't want to blurt out all my happenings in one post, will post again soon

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We've also had a run of complaints of green bags and dumped rubbish not being collected despite calls to report the problem. We are chasing that up.

The Labour shadow cabinet met and discussed our different areas, with me that is childrens services. I have concern at budget cuts from youth services & play services and have a meeting coming up looking at Swindon exams results when they are all in. Let's hope our GCSE results are good, including my daughters. It won't all be GCSE results I'll be asking about, I am keen to know about how are kids are doing on their SATS and in particular if any progress they made at primary school continues when they transfer to secondary.

Another awful acident in Swindon yesteday please do after your children this summer. I know accidents happen, it is just so tragic

I'm away now with my family for a few days, just as I hear the weather is getting wetter!
I was out with my Councillor colleagues door knocking in Gorse Hill this morning, it just about stayed dry and there were plenty of Labour supporters answering the doors so all was well.
Not an easy time to still support the Labour party I know; because may people keep telling me! But please think back to 1980's early 90's, I remember. dirty hospitals, long time waiting to be seen by NHS consultants, huge class sizes, no help with play group costs, the winter fuel allowance only a pitance, high unemployment and no minimum wage. It is easy to forget, I don't want to have to live through it again so I hope enough people remember when the votes are next counted.

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Housing Repairs
Every week I have one or two calls or emails about repairs needing to be done, or that have been done but not properly so I have built up good realitiuonships with the housing team on this.

Anti-social Behaviour
Again, most weeks I hear from at least one person who has fallen victim to ASB and is unhappy.
We have seen some results, around the Welcombe Stores and now with the new talking CCTV at Cavendish Square, but it remains an issue. I can't help but be concerned that things are going going to get worse with the £200,000 cut in the youth service budget, they seemed pushed enough beforehand. We will see

Parking
The estate was built before everyone had one car let alone two so not surprisingly there is not enough parking. We have unhappy residents getting tickets as they try to park their car where they can see it.
We have parking promised ie.for Studland Close and Whitbourne Avenue but it's not here yet and it is a continuous frustration for us all.

These are the three issues as I see them, what are yours?

Elsewhere I've just come from a very productive Forum meeting which talked about the new way community services may be led through clusters; connecting people, connecting places. There were huge concerns as to the lack of consultation on this so far and about basing things around secondary schools. The group is going to write and express the groups concerns and ask for someone to come and explain and consult with the group.

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Seems to be if you don't speed you don't get a fine so no reason to complain about cameras. I can't buy this it's a tax on the motorists for that reason, don't speed and it won't be you. It has been me twice so I'm not able to preach to much on this!

At least there are plenty of traffic lights along Queens Drive to slow cars down. There are plans to put in another crossing where there is an underpass at the moment. This I think will slow cars down along an area where there is nothinhg at the moemnt, near the speed camera.

Anyway, it's not all speed cameras, elsewhere, I heard news of a succesful arrest of two offenders accused of being up to no good on Cavendish Square. They've been to court and charged, so things are happening.

I've been busy with meetings, yesterday was licensing and housing advisory. At licensing we were looking at Taxi charges. At the moment you start paying more once the total cost is at £11.20, as the rate goes up. We voted for that increase in rate to come in only after £16.20. This means those who live on the outskirts of Swindon, ie Highworth, Abbey Meads etc will not be so penalised. The majority of Taxi drvers seemed to support that too. We also agreed that Taxis should not have over tinted windows for everyones safety. I did also learn that Taxi driver fares are negoitiable so maybe worth a try next time you are in one!

Housing Advisory; one of my favourite committees, looked at where more residents parking will be put in this year. I pointed out the Studland still hadn't happened two years on so maybe we should keep an eye to make sure that what we agree should happen, happens. That was agreed. We also looked at untidy gardens. Since the pilot scheme started (as mentioned in an earlier blog entry)there have been
145 referrals
45 of those are now resolved & were so within two weeks.
119 are still ongoing.

So I've been busy, there's also been phonecalls and meetings with residents, a meeting with the Director of Housing, and Labour Party door knocking too.

In answer to my question about youth services coming to the Reuben George as Cllr Cherry stated, the reply I got was " There is no SBC youth activity at planned at Reuben George Hall Cavendish Square at this time..."

Schools break up soon so if I go quiet it's because my teenagers don't allow me to get near the PC!

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The two main issues were unsurprisingly anti-social behaviour around and on the Square and parking.
Annoyingly the person would was in charge of the parking situation was not there So there was little info able to be given.

The big news in that Stage 3 may not be happening as we thought it would, here is a reply I had to a recent question on that -
"You are correct in saying that there is some doubt now whether the final phase (Phase 3) of the new shopping centre will be carried out, at least in the original expected timescale.

The recent market uncertainty and the "credit crunch" however has come at a particularly bad time, and there is of course a real possibility that the funder's pre-letting criteria will not be achieved. In these circumstances the developer is considering undertaking the Phase 3 demolitions (the existing Co-Op unit and the Cock Robin pub) and resurfacing the area, and then leaving site. If the pre-lets are still not achieved the developer would come back in January / February 2009 and complete the Mall and covered walkway, although the building of the Phase 3 units would remain in doubt, until at least the funding requirements were satisfied

There were some concerns that without the new shops, there would be no covered mall but these appear to be unfounded. Likewise we are assured that there will be CCTV, and there is also plans afoot to bring in CCTV with a camera placed on the post near the church, this would be helpful. Everyone is working hard to see things happen ASAP.

Meanwhile some youths were caught grafitting (not sure how to spell that ) when the shops used their radios to communicate with each other and the Police, good to see action is being taken. We are encouraged to continue reporting all incidents however small and however frustrated we get that things don't appear to change. The number of incidents matters when resources are allocated. I will continune to work with the Police and the team in SBC to see things improve as they have done at Welcombe Stores.

There was a bit of a row when Cllr Cherry your new Tory Councillor explained how he had secured youth services to occupy Reuben George (news to me but then if your not in with the Tories you don't hear much) some had concerns about that, but more had concerns when hew said how he'd arranged for wardens to ticket bad parking around the Square and those who park illegally on the road but on the grass would be OK. Interesting

Elswhere I've been busy catching up on casework, following up longstanding issues which really frustrate me, and it's my daughters prom (how expensive are these ) so she's been keeping me busy sewing on bits to her dress, & taking her to have her eye brows waxed - I didn't even know they did that, isn't a form of torture

I'm off to see housing tomorrow, put faces to names and find out more about how it all works, I'll feed back next week. Have a good week.

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It includes -
Council weeds out untidy gardens.
The Council will not accept untidy gardens and in the worst cases legal action is taken.
If your garden is untidy you can expect a visit from a Housing Officer to ensure that your garden, within a reasonable amount of time, is brought up to a satisfactory standard of tidiness. This will include the requirement to remove all rubbish, regularly mowing your lawn and cutting
back overgrown vegetation and bushes.
To prevent having a visit and possible eventual enforcement action taken, please ensure that your garden is brought up to a satisfactory standard as soon as possible.
For tenants who fail to comply with the request to tidy and maintain their garden then further action will be taken.

As always if due to disability or infirmity you are having
difficulty in maintaining your garden then Housing will work and support you to resolve this (call us on 445503).

If you are unhappy with the standard of any gardens occupied by Council tenants then please call us on 445503.

I have been in countact with them re untidy gardens many times when neighbours have raised concerns, with sometimes things are so bad, rats have been attracted Action IS taken.

Also so in Housing Matters - Decent Homes
We have a budget of £10.2 million for this financial year, 2008/09, to deliver a programme of work to maintain and improve Council homes.
The programme of work has been developed and prioritised to maintain homes to the Decent Homes Standard whilst also working towards the higher standard known as the ‘Swindon Standard’ by 2016.
The most significant programmes of work to be undertaken include:
• External wall encapsulation to steel framed houses in Pinehurst – 20 properties
• External wall encapsulation to concrete framed houses in Meadowcroft – 21 properties
• Upgrading central heating systems – 330 properties
• Replacement PVCu double glazed windows – 70 properties
• Installation of new PVCu external doors – 1350 properties
• New external timber doors to Grade II listed cottages/bedsits in the Railway Village
• Full rewires or electrical upgrades – 410 properties
• Renewal of pitched roof coverings – 200 properties
• New modernised kitchens - 413 properties
• New modernised bathrooms – 158 properties
• New power operated main entrance doors – 10 sheltered schemes
• Installation of new door entry check systems – 20 blocks of flats
• Improvements to blocks of garages
• Provision of new curtilage car parking – 40 properties
• Ongoing replacement fencing and path programme
• Environmental works to 3-storey blocks of flats – 2 blocks

Details on the Housing Repair & Improvement
Programme for 2008/09, can be found on our website at
www.swindon.gov.uk/housing/housing-repairs/housingimprovementprogramme.
htm
If you would like to know more about the proposed
programmes of work for 2008/09 or have any other
comments please contact:
Gerry O’Connor - Housing Property Manager Tel: Swindon 463452
Email: go’connor@swindon.gov.uk

And DON'T FORGET 1 July - Cavendish Square
Is the open public meeting so we can have an opportunity to meet the
developers and ask questions about the Cavendsih Square project. This will be held on Tuesday 1st July 2008 at 6.30pm Oaktree School.

Finally, anyone into Playing?

As part of Swindon Borough Council’s ongoing Playground Refurbishment Programme, the play area at Richard Jefferies Parkway, between Shaftesbury Avenue and Eldene Drive. has been selected for complete refurbishment.

We are at present compiling various schemes for the Senior and Junior Play areas. When the schemes are finalised, we will be leaflet dropping all households in the immediate area, offering the residents the opportunity to take part in the public consultation on the new areas.

There will be a consultation on site on Saturday 12th July 2008, between 10.00am and 12.00 noon. Come along and have your say.

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At our next Childrens overview meeting we are looking at school buildings and will have the chance to quiz the lead member on the topic. If you have any thoughts, please let me have them and I'll include them.

Governors act as critical friends for schools too, and I've been busy on that frount this week. One of two schools had Ofsted in The other has made the difficult desision to close it's holiday club. This has left some without the childcare they had planned for this summmer and is taking some sorting. It was an excellent holiday club, but made a loss as not enough children went to make it viable. I couldn't make the meeing but gather lots of discussion took place. I will do what I can now to help parents find alternative provision for their kids.

Houising or lack of it remains a big issue, people wanting to move and unable to, as the waiting list is so long. I've also had a resident contact me disappointed with the service he had from housing repairs. That has now been sorted. Did you know you can ask for an evening appointent or Sarurday morning appointment for a repair if that suits you better? You can, yet it's not advertised much, although hopefully that will now improve

One more GSE to go, ...not me my daughter, then calm will return to my home as then that is it. We've had 2 X SATs and 1 X GCSE's here, I need a holiday, it's been traumatic, thank goodness for the council work it keeps me sane

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Big news is that the Swindon SACRE (Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education)that I sit on, has been successful in its bid to the National SACRE Association to develop faith clubs in four secondary schools in Swindon. The project is proposed to run for a year and will seek to develop discussion amongst young people about what it means to have a faith or religious belief or just as importantly, how it feels to have no particular faith. The project includes working with the clubs to develop a final project on the outcomes from their discussions. These will be showcased in an event in June 2009. The project has been developed to contribute to promoting community cohesion across the Borough. Quite exciting as last years bid was turned down so we weren't that hopeful

This fits in nicely with the workshop day I went to last week looking at how schools are part of the community cohesion picture. 95% of people recently asked thought there was some tension between people of different nationalities. I guess if we can get kids mixing and recognising and appreciating the differences between each other then tensions will ease. I know being a white kid in a school in Alabama USA, in 1978, where blacks and whites didn't mix and whites talked openly of joining the klu klux clan when they were 18 shaped the person I am today. School is part of the journey of shaping kids and we should act to offer solutions to tensions before they arise and promote understanding and cohesion.

At Childrens Overview we set the work for the year ahead, alot of looking at schools, standards, buildings, special schools etc, also ome on the kids that aren't at school and an exciting meeting which will be run by Swindons youth parliament on Nov 12th, with their agenda.

So I'm keeping busy, you may have seen in the Adver that I do go to most meetings I should. I didn't realise it was not common place to send in apologies when you can't make the meeting. It is true though that many meetings we go to don't feature on that list, anything ward related, sub-groups etc. I've put down my weekly happenings in earlier blog entries, they certainly go well beyound meetings in the civic. If anyone wants to know more about possibly becoming a Councillor let me know I'll happily explain all that is involved.

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On friday I went to a conference looking at how schools are to be encouraged to get involved in breaking down barriers between different cultures to improve understanding of each other and enhance community living. I will write more on that in my next entry.

Saturday saw our surgery, I had two people in the brand new Shop. Do go and have a look it is massive and lots of bargains to be had, I picked up a pair of trousers and a top

Now for some events you may be interested in -

Swidon's First Flood Protection Fayre is on June 18th between 2pm - 7pm at Steam.

At the Flood Fair you will be able to:
• Check whether or not a home or business is in a flood risk area
• How people can develop a flood plans for their own home or
business
• Find out about flood warning services and how to sign up
• Get practical advice steps to protect homes from flooding
• Pick up a range of information and check out useful websites
• Examine the range of domestic flood defence devices on the
market

It is FREE and you'll also be able to look around Steam and park for free too

Another event is

A Senior Well Being Day – 28 August 2008 At the Punjabi Community Centre 10am - 3pm

The purpose of the well-being day is to give information and advice to help
older people to live longer and safer in their own homes.

The day will include

• Solomon Theatre Company to perform their show called Trickster
(which is a different performance to the 2007 Scambusters)

• Light refreshments all day.

• A Prize Draw with the top prize an Electric Scooter (donated by
Keepable)

• A number of demonstrations and talks about different subject areas
and, hopefully, lots of organisation’s display to raise awareness of the
services they can offer to older people locally. We’re inviting about
40+ voluntary and statutory organisations.

Maybe I'll see you at one of those

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It was a good afternoon, free cakes and face painting and kids activities.

I'm a bit disappointed re the quote in the Adver. They appeared to push me to talk about previous vandalism on the centre and my response was about the positive step the reopening was and all that we can offer young people to do, now it is open again. It did not close due to vandalism, there were issues within the building that needed addressing, fire safety etc. Once closed it was the target for some vandalism, true. If only the positive news was read as readily as the negative, we would get the true picture and papers would still sell.

On the positive side, there was reps there on Saturday from a martial arts group, Girl guiding, the allotment association, the Police, SWAP (Swindons Walcot And Parks group) and even a fire engine before it got called away very quickly There are rainbows, brownies and guides at Park South Community Centre each Monday, for more info, check out www.girlguiding.org.uk. The conatct re the Allotments group is Mary Reeve Tel 534378 and re the Black Belt School which meets at Savernake Street check out www.theblackbeltschool.co.uk

Park South has little for youngsters to do and no meeting place, hopefully the hall will be used more. Plans are also afoot to have some mobile youth work taking place and possibly make use of some facilities around Cavendish Square. Watch this space for info as I get it

Re the Police, I can recommend checking out our local neighbourhood policing team site You can see the Crime statistics there too.
If you'd like to get involved in looking at our priorites for the area let me know, and I'll help you to get involved

That's all for now, hope you didn't get as wet as I did today

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Due to the flooding, the borough has set up an incident centre.

If you live in swindon and have been affected, contact the incident centre on 01793 463873 or 01793 464875.

I hope the drain clearage has meant everyone has stayed flood free in Park North this time, let me know if not, please.

More later ....

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Practical ways of deterring foxes

The best time of year to deter foxes is during the late summer and autumn. You can try the following:

• Remove potential food sources;
• Keep rubbish in your wheeled bin, and don’t leave bagged rubbish outside;
• Tidy up an overgrown garden, and remove piles of grass clippings;
• Consider removing earthworms from your garden (some products may be available from DIY or garden centres);
• Fill gaps under garden sheds – foxes like to shelter under sheds, and can squeeze under a 10cm gap;
• Only leave bird food in bird food dispensers
• Repair any damaged air bricks (but don’t block them up – your house needs ventilation.)

Alternatively, you can try a cat scent neutraliser such as Cat Off, which reduces the territorial marker smells from urine and faeces.
Do not use substances that may be dangerous to pets, plants and children.

If anyone has another ideas, please let me know.

I have lots more to write so will be writing daily for a while, it's been a busy time. It is soon the end of helf term and I'll have access to the computer again!

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At the annual council meeting too it was decided who is on which committees, I'm on all I was before apart from school transport appeals but am now also on Licensing. I had interest raised on this after the issue around Welcombe Stores. We had the licencing training tonight which was full of info and legal do's and don'ts, to make sure we give everyone a fair hearing and take fair desisions. In some ways I think it'll be similar to school transport appeals but will have to wait and see if that is so. Not too long to wait, my first meeting is on Thursday!

Elsewhere we've had Adoption panel this week and Foster panel on friday so I've not got anything else read whilst I make sure I'm up to speed on those.

Today was the launch of the Swindon summer festival Look out for it on June 12th, 13th & 14th, make sure you go into town and also Faringdon Park on Saturday evening, it all sounds great. One of the acts was there at the launch, very amusing. I love this form of street entertainment so I'll be there

Off to work in a minute Will also check if the path from Coate Waters' been cut back as that has been a recent campaign of mine, having been raised by a resident. Other casework includes, requests to help with house move, dodgy windows, still trying to get land bought for residents along Queens Drive & Oldlands Walk and problems over communal gardens. It's very varied, never a dull moment!

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Central Block

The building works on Phase 2, the Central Block are nearing completion.

The aim is to re-open the Library in late July / early August.

Retail Shopping Centre
The new Co-Op shop has been handed over and the internal fitting-out works have commenced. The new Co-Op aims to open during the 1st or 2nd week of July 2008.

Lloyds Pharmacy have also taken possession of their unit and internal fitting-out works have already commenced.

The new public toilets are anticipated to be completed the end of April. In May demolition works will start on remaining shop units, maisonettes and the old public toilets.

Residential Housing

Works to the flats in Phase 3, which is taking place on the former school playing field, are still continuing. Some of the houses in this phase have already been occupied.

Phase 4 works, which are adjacent to the public open space, are well underway.

Works to the next stage the new cycleway are about to commence.

Additional Information

Road works to Royston Road are still ongoing. The new surface of the section of road from the school up to the rear of the Library will be laid later this month.

Shaftesbury Avenue

The target date for completion of building works is the 30th April 2008.

This newsletter will as be displayed on the Cavendish Square website, at www.swindon.gov.uk/cavendishsquare

I didn't post this straight away as I asked if there was a new target date for the building works to be completed at Shaftesbury as they were still building when I last went past. Here is the reply -

"I have been advised by Housing that the target date is the Monday 2nd June for all of the site to be handed over.

Wednesday 23rd July is being considered for the official opening by the Mayor."

Will let you know when I hear more

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