Parks Councillor Swindon - What have I been doing?

In response to:Cavendish Square

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:46:35 +0200

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In response to:Never a dull moment!

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 23:38:51 +0100

One of the less attractive aspects of Swindon politics is both sides making comments of the 'I hope the other side will be less partisan and work with us' type in which they don't just make that bare statement, but then proceed to criticise at length the other side for being partisan. That criticism is itself partisan.

Mr Wills' article is of that type. Arguments from 'tother side about next year's council budget have been in a similar vein. It's not pleasant, and does nothing for the standing of local politicians, nor for politics in general.

In response to:Januaury 2009

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 19:14:39 +0100

Great to hear from you :-) You'd love the new Blunsdon bypass, you'd hardly recognise the place. Lots of Swindon is still the same though.
I spent some of my childhood in the outer hebrides!

In response to:Council Housing Consultation

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 22:35:09 +0100

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

The meeting will now be held at Goddard Park School in the hall - the date and time are the same. The meeting is being held by the Parks and E. Walcot Community Forum - for any tenants to go along and ask questions about the council possibly handing over its housing to a housing association.

In response to:Januaury 2009

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 16:58:20 +0100

Good luck with the above. My goodness you live a busy life.

I saw the word Swindon so I had to stop by and see what it was all about, I grew up in Blunsdon, just outside of Swindon (though its been swallowed up by now). I used to live in a council house there too, before most of them were bought privately.

In response to:Council Housing Consultation

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 12:01:19 +0100

Happy Christmas, Fay. Thanks for keeping us informed.

In response to:Speed Cameras & Elected Mayors

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 09:57:11 +0100

The issues surrounding traffic enforcement need clear thinking based on facts and informed discussion.

Whatever your personal views on speed cameras (which of course are to be respected) I for one applaud your Council's courage by dealing in realities rather than rhetoric.

In response to:For Carers Everywhere

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 18:15:14 +0100

Thanks for that, will pass your thoughts on. Buses and seats, a long walk home in the dark would not be good.

In response to:For Carers Everywhere

Sat, 15 Nov 2008 15:41:16 +0100

Arts Centre

I really enjoy going to the Arts Centre - the events are varied and interesting. I find the seats difficult, though. I'm usually squirming by the end of a one-and-a-half hour film, let alone anything longer. Something to do with the height of the seats as well as the lack of space to stretch your legs in. And my other comment would be about the scarcity of buses in the evening after performances end -in my direction just one No.19 an hour after 7pm - I think I would go more often if it weren't for the prospect of a long, cold walk in the dark during wintertime.

In response to:Town Centre Stalls

Sat, 04 Oct 2008 10:07:35 +0200

Hello Fay, I was also disappointed at the pictures in the advert about Cavendish Square although,as you say,the write up was good. I'm not sure I like all the stalls on a Saturday that are 'out front'Can't they be allowed to trade in the square outside the Co-op? Didn't realise what a busy person you are!!Regards

In response to:I'm Back

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:32:06 +0200

See new blog entry, it's a shame in my view.

In response to:I'm Back

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 21:36:41 +0200

One of the less pleasant aspects of stepping out from the Brunel Centre into Havelock Square is the strong sickly smell of cooking doughnuts. The stall needs to be somewhere with more space, so the wind can waft the smells away (Wharf Green, perhaps).

As for the mobile-phone stalls, I don't think they do anything to lift the run-down impression that the town centre has, but they seem to do a reasonable trade and not much harm, so can't really see a good reason for being rid of one of them.

In response to:Swindon, speed cameras and a busy week

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 14:46:49 +0200

The parking at Studland is going ahead but I can't get anyone to tell me when. Apparently the surveying from a few weeks back was not to do with the parking.

In response to:Swindon, speed cameras and a busy week

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 17:52:35 +0200

Re Studland - I saw someone surveying Studland a few weeks ago. I assumed it was for the parking and that it meant it was definitely going ahead. Or not?

In response to:Meeting Review

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 19:23:42 +0200

Sounds good to me, there's plenty hidden from me I'd like to know about !

In response to:Meeting Review

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 20:38:50 +0200

I have just read all the comments on the Coun payments.

Perhaps the Adver would start to publish council meeting in their paper.

At least the meetings that go on behind closed doors.

S. West

In response to:Foxes

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 19:31:48 +0200

Thanks Chris, I'm happy to take advise from someone who knows more about foxes.

Thanks John, I've deleted reference to renardine, the info I included was from other councils websites, I'll pass the info back to them too. I've checked out the website and this one

http://www.foxproject.org.uk/

which offers good advice on detering foxes.

In response to:Foxes

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 18:06:37 +0200

Dear Cllr Fay, I have been operating a professional wildlife deterrence service in London and the southeast for the last ten years. I have been alerted to your recent comment on foxes and cats, which prompted me to look at your website. There I noticed an advert for a 'rodenator' for use in rat burrows. DEFRA has recently stated that the use of this device to kill rats or any other wild animal is a criminal offence as it kills them with explosives - an offence under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981. In your blog on foxes you mention the use of 'Renardine' as a fox deterrent. This product was outlawed by the government in 2005 and it is now an offence to be in possession of it, let alone use it! I recommend that anyone wishing to deter foxes firstly listens to the Fox Project's recorded advice line 01892 826222 and takes a look at Bristol University's new website www.thefoxwebsite.org Regards, John Bryant, Humane Urban Wildlife Deterrence, www.jbryant.co.uk

In response to:Foxes

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 20:40:40 +0200

Dear Fay

I have asked some friends from the fox welfare and humane deterrence community to drop you an e mail about this before you leaflet the area or anything. Hope that's ok. Thanks, Chris

In response to:A weeks a long time in politics

Tue, 06 May 2008 19:14:31 +0200

Hi! Pity there's no Labour people left in the government... pity the government have done so much evil along with the little good... they are handing it over on a plate to "call me Dave".

In response to:Election Madness

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 22:54:32 +0200

Yes, the Police are working on it too, but it's partnership http://www.swindon.gov.uk/community/crime.htm
but there are gaps, similar size councils have a dedicated soliciter for ASB issues, a Police officer dedicated to working with the Council on ASB and/or more ASB officers. It's not just me who thinks this, Officers I have spoken too have a similar view, Mavis Childs has expressed this view too
The costings I've seen make it viable.

I disaggree with you re CCTV

I'm not into reinventing the wheel, but at the lack of community facilities in the Northern development worries me, I would say that could be improved.

...not re invent wheel

I'm new since those days, married to a teacher, two kids in local education I have a strong drive to see our schools improve.

Costings looked OK, difficult when we're not allowed access to budget info though perhaps you could ask your colleagues to allow us info on finance?

...Not reinvent wheel, proves we can work together and have common ground.

...not re invent wheel, hope you enjoyed cabinet mtg.

Disagree with you, savings will be made elsewhere.

...not re invent wheel

I do not aim to lie, if you can show me I've made a mistake I'm more than happy to admit I can be wrong.

I anticipate an annual rise in Council Tax to pay for services. Even the presnt council who mocked our rises in the past felt the need for further rises! When perhaps we should have had a rebate? Somethings have cost, the environmental impact and cost in fines if we fail are potentially more harmful

...not re invent wheel

It costs schools to recycle

Only acting on cabinet report from last Jan, but it should be more than a report. It needs following through

Good for them, ...not re invent wheel....

Glad you see our failings so you'll be keen to do the opposite and invest then? No lie, the Council will be paying out, officer time, who will take care of it if it ever gets built, road costs to replace missing road?

I want 40% affordable homes, as do many on the 10,000 Council housing list.

...not re invent wheel... End talk of canal so can concentrate on getting town centre sorted.

Cavendish Square prime example. Early interventions in schools, raising kids aspirations. It's going to be great to have the Wheels project back, more like that. Council houses stay.

Council tax went up this year didn't it?

What is the cost if we don't? Invest to save.

Thank you for the questions, there is joint cross party working within the council. You may even find you agree with me at some point. Some things we will differ on but I prefer to work thinking beyound that, in sharing a common goal on improving Swindon things can be achieved.

In response to:Election Madness

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 14:35:12 +0200

Invest in the Council ASB team so they can at last swiftly use the powers available to them to [b]tackle crime, vandalism and unacceptable behaviour[/b]

[b]Isn't this what the police should be doing ? Where will you get the money for this ?.[/b]

As part of a “My Community” initiative, launch a Swindon wide lighter streets scheme. [b]Implement CCTV in neighbourhood hotspots, so residents feel safe in their communities.[/b]

CCTV doesn't make me feel safe - CCTV does not prevent crime - Police Officer do that - [b]your labour government has cut the funding to the police so we now have fewer police on the streets - what are you going to do about that [/b]?

Develop stronger communities by retain existing community buildings, and developing new facilities in the expanding parts of the borough.

[b]This is what the conservatives are already doing[/b]

Seek to remove the young gangs off our streets by providing facilities that young people want and will use.

[b]This is what the conservatives are already doing[/b]

Raise attainment Swindon wide so our schools are a beacon for other authorities

[b]but education was failing under the Labour council - if you couldn't do it last time, why do you think you can do it now - most of you are the same councillors anyway.[/b]

Guarantee every child a hot and nutritious school meal at lunchtime.

[b]How much will this cost and where will the money come from - I hope you aren't going to increase our council tax to pay for this.[/b]

Work to secure a University for the people of Swindon.

[b]The conservatives are already doing this[/b]

Enforce ‘be safe zones’ outside all schools, including 20mph speed limits.

[b]The conservatives are already doing this if you had attended the cabinet meeting on the 16th April you would have known this - I did [/b]!

Provide half fares for children on buses.

[b]How much will this cost and where will the money come from -you would have to increase our council tax to pay for this.[/b]

Consult with young people on developing their role within the community

[b]The conservatives are already doing this.[/b]

The Tories have failed on this issue, scrapping the weekly waste collection has caused chaos. Due to their lack of planning they could cost taxpayers millions in fines, which could reach £3.5 million in 2012, the equivalent of a 5 per cent increase in Council Tax.

[b]This is a lie Councillor Howard - why can't you be honest ? The conservatives will shortly be hitting their 50% recyling target thus avoiding the fines the Labour government has threatened all councils with. The conservatives will be saving us money.[/b]

Seek the introduction of a non-recyclable ‘wheelie bin’ weekly waste collection service.

[b] would you pay for this - I understand it would cost around £2 million - you would be increasing our council tax if you did this - be honest. [/b]

Introduce a glass and tin recycling scheme for Swindon’s pubs.

[b]y already have one - or didn't you know [/b]

Introduce a free recycling scheme for schools to highlight the importance of recycling to future generations.

[b]y already recycle.[/b]

Improve street cleaning across the borough and target fly-tippers.

[b] would you pay for this - you really are goinmg to increasde our council tax aren't you.[/b]

Look to providing a food waste recycling services.

[b] conservatives have already said they are working on this[/b]

Cancel the Canal through central Swindon, saving £60m and Swindon from traffic chaos.

[b] town already has traffic chaos because the Labour Council and the Labour Government have consistenly failed to invest in roads in Swindon. Also, can't you read the newspapers ? The council will not be paying for the canal so you wouldn't be saving anything - please don't lie to us.[/b]

The Tories failed in their ‘promise’ of to provide 300 affordable homes per year, our priority is 40% affordable homes to buy or rent in all new developments.

[b] would we want 40% affordable homes ? I certainly don't.[/b]

Maintain and speed up the redevelopment of town centre, ensuring that the benefits are shared by all, especially existing residents.

[b] conservatives are already doing this, but please explain in detail how you would speed up the regeneration ?[/b]

Establish urban regeneration programmes in deprived areas, raising skill levels and tackling health inequalities with strategic partnerships.

[b]ase explain how you would do this without selling off all the council houses ?[/b]

Invest significantly in drainage, to aid those most vulnerable to flooding.

[b]re would the money come from, how much would it cost ? Guess you'll be increasing the council tax again ?[/b]

Invest in better highway maintenance and tackle the pothole blight.

[b] much would this cost and where would the money come from [/b]

So now you know where we stand, not many surprises I'm sure.

[b]ually Councillor - I would say that you are telling a few porkies here. Why don't you tell all of us how much these grandiose plans would cost - if you are saying you are going to do them then you must know how much they will cost - so why not be honest with us ? Come on - you don't need to lie, just give us all the information.[/b]

In response to:Council Housing

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 11:25:50 +0200

You make a good point. It was my belief that there was consultation, but not enough that is obvious. I'm sorry you weren't consulted.
It sounds like you mean access to Buckland was changed? It is possible to walk accross the grass isn't it, just not come in behind the flats, I guess that made it much easier to walk down Cowley Walk now instead? Certainly I'll feed that back, thanks.

In response to:Council Housing

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 21:04:20 +0200

Hello Fay,
I am sure that the steps taken for the area behind Welcombe Stores are probably for the best, as events there did seem to upset people.
It is a bit of a shame that no one thought to consult residents who are directly affected by the fencing off of the "escape route" and can no longer park at the rear of their homes or access bus stop and shop without going through the creepy alley by the school. I guess you can't please all of the people all of the time, but it would have been nice to be asked.

In response to:63.1% against the Canal

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 15:59:00 +0100

I just don't get it !!!
How is a non-existent canal going to help Swindon?
Let's recognise the past for what it was and move on. Of course, Swindon needs to preserve its past (e.g. Railway Institute and the Old Railway Museum to name but two) but we also need to embrace the future. Let's build something to benefit our community and not to line the pockets of those fat cats out there.

How about building a University type complex with a large music venue, theatre and arts centre.

Has anyone approached Richard Rogers (Architect) to see whether he has any interesting ideas? I'm sure he has plenty.

Think Big - Brunel did !!!

Emm

In response to:Potholes & Road Repairs

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 17:04:43 +0100

I agree there has been road resurfacing, just not along Dulverton for the past 16 years according to one resident!
Great that they're making Wootton Bassett road wider. Not sure what the benefit will be when noone will use it when it beomes a dead-end with the canal turning into Wescott Place!

In response to:Potholes & Road Repairs

Sun, 03 Feb 2008 22:36:14 +0100

It's not as though the council haven't been resurfacing roads... just not in Parks. Central and Eastcott have had quite a bit of attention recently - Faringdon Road, Westcott Place and Kingshill have all been resurfaced in the last couple of years (and Westcott Place was pretty rough before treatment).

I think I'm right in thinking that there are restrictions on what developers contributions can be used for. I recall reading (in relation to the Front Garden) that road improvements are one such excluded item. So developer contributions spent on a canal could not instead be spent on road re-surfacing. (Tho' there's plenty of other things £50M could be spent on.)

In response to:Neighbourhood Wardens Survey

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:09:09 +0100

That's so true I'm afraid to say. It seems wrong that only some pay for the service everyone gets. I hear that the majority of surveys back so far favour keeping the wardens, but we'll see.

In response to:Neighbourhood Wardens Survey

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 12:42:36 +0100

It's the same old dilemma with this questionnaire. If I say yes because I think it's a good service, then I'm saying yes to the funding, which is only by council tenants. A lot of other people benefit too.

In response to:Back after the summer

Fri, 07 Sep 2007 19:04:36 +0200

It is recognised that it has not all gone but maybe enough to leave things alone now - I hope not.
Have you reported it to http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org/giving/
or let the police know direct?
parkswalcoteastnpt@wiltshire.pnn.police.uk
We've got to keep telling them what's going on.