Page 8 - link magazine

8 Northern newcomers

Abbey Weeds and Windy Ridge are the two nicknames used by people who have moved to Swindon's northern development.
Nearly three years after the first arrivals, the majority are pleased to have moved in, but are also frustrated and concerned
about the lack of services which were promised by the developers in their slogan: 'Abbey Meads - a lifestyle for the 21st Century.'
Link reporter for North Swindon, Tanya Parkinson talked to some of her neighbours

Schools, rubbish and weeds
Whilst out for a drive over two growth," she said. tention to refuse collec- palling; weeds are choking expen-
years ago, the Stilwell family stum- Julie wondered why tion problems. Bins are sive shrubs and the whole devel-
bled upon Abbey Meads. Within the temporary commu- very often not emptied opment looks very scruffy."
months, they had moved from nity centre and police on Mondays. Conse- However although Julie feels let
Lyneham to their Bovis home. As station were not origi- quently rubbish is strewn down by developers' promises, she
an 'established resident, Julie nally sited where they along the streets making was keen to highlight the real sense
Stilwell complained that Swindon are now on Elstree Way, the area very unpleasant. of community spirit in the area.
Council should have been more rather be moved to make Julie said "It is obvious "It's a great place for families, the
pro-active in liaising with builders way for construction of the bin men have too toddlers groups got going really
about school provision. the village centre. "Per- much to collect on one quickly and everybody was very
"It's no consolation telling par- haps, money used to make the day. People with families, moving friendly." Julie concluded "All in
ents the new school is a year be- move could havebeen put towards into a new house are bound to all I'm glad we moved here, it's a
hind because builders did not keep community facilities." create lots of rubbish." good place to live and it will get
them informed with the speed of The council should also pay at- "Landscape upkeep is also ap- better."
Pleased with the move
Sharon Gannon and her family ment was of builders being forced around, which is disappointing." provide a base which will help
came from Harlow in Essex 10 to erect shopping facilities and a Talking about the community build upon the current levels."
months ago. community centre before they spirit Sharon thought it would be Sharon went on to say she felt St
"We looked at every town in could commence building houses. quite difficult for people to mix Andrews Ridge is being kept very
this area except Swindon because "The lack of because of the variety of lifestyles clean. The general layout of the
it had always been given such a pre-school the area had attracted. She felt development is well thought out
bad press. However we wanted a provision here better communication of events, and the developers had taken resi-
Bloor home and when we found is particularly perhaps by using notice boards dents security into consideration.
one in Abbey Meads everything frustrating," would improve things. "The new "Overall we are really pleased with
seemed just right," explained said Sharon, Village Centre, when ready, will the move here."
Sharon. But the Cannons were who has to
surprised to find a lack of facili- drive to drop Local newcomer
ties, especially a doctor's surgery her daughter Vikki Frampton amenities built at the
and shop. Her previous experi- at nursery. moved to St Andrews start," she believes.
ence of moving to a new develop- "You definitely need a car to get Ridge from Coving- "There is also a need
ham with her family six for a major superstore
NO NEED TO LIVE WITH HARD WATER months ago. They because the pressure
CONTACT: chose the Ridge be- on the existing one will
cause of its views, but become too great.
she has mixed feelings "To build up links
about their decision. within the locality we need clubs
Kinetico Block Salt Water Softeners guarantee soft water 24 hours
a day. Only 19" high, non-electric, meter controlled. "The layout of the area with the and societies, particularly for chil-
Rent, lease, purchase. DIV sales & service. Salt delivered. network of cycle tracks, placing of dren. More information is needed
seats and green sites has been well about events and general issues.
260 Ferndale Road, Swindon. Tel: 527172
planned," said Vikki. "The devel- The Link is currently my link to the
opment is good for young chil- community."
dren. The family pubs and the Looking to the future Vikki feels
number of parks are ideal." the growing number of teenagers
W I I.. I. S Professionally drawn by However the lack of schools, living on the development need
shops, community centres, 'phone local entertainment such as a cin-
The Andrews Partnership (01793) 642245 boxes and cash dispensers is very ema, swimming pool and youth
From £25.00 inc. disappointing. "The development club. "Things will improve; we're
A professionally prepared will can avoid is too big not to have had these pleased we chose to come here."
delay and distress for your family Home visit service
from £35.00 inc.
Ridiculous to have two pubs before a local school
This time last year Julie Walsh and her husband were preparing to
move to Abbey Meads. "We knew that the shops were not ready and
Winton we would need the car to get around," explained Julie.
"1 was very surprised at our welcome when we arrived, even the
Raynes & Co local policeman introduced himself."
The big problem the family faced was finding a school to take all
SOLICITORS three children. "We applied to a local primary school which offered
places to two of them. Only an appeal to the education authority
resolved the matter. It seems ridiculous to get pubs in place before
schools."
Anglia House, 115/118 Commercial Road, Swindon The family are particularly pleased with the footpaths and cycle
Tel: (01793) 522688 tracks which connect all areas of the development. But she is worried
about the children crossing the busy Thamesdown Drive regularly
Peter Winton • John Wilding because the footbridge is still closed.
Helen Raynes For Julie, Abbey Meads had lived up to her expectations and things
will get better.
A Partnership Working for You
Also at High Street, Wroughton So, how has it been for you? There's another 8,000 houses to
be built. Let us have your views on North Swindon.