Page 7 - link magazine

ABBEY MEADS
Further growth might be held up No interest in playgroup yet
A meeting on 10 February to discuss setting up an Abbey Meads
Environmentalists are welcoming a decision by the Government to playgroup decided there were too few people available to start one.
reconsider whether there should be an environmental impact assess-
ment of building a total of 10,000 houses in North Swindon. Eighteen mothers came together dler groups, or are involved in
The Conservative Government did not require an assessment for the to discuss the idea but discovered playgroups elsewhere.
first phase of 4,000 homes, but the start of the 6,000 house 'Haydon 3' that most were already too com- Abbey Meads minister Deacon-
development, to the west of Lady Lane, could now be delayed mitted to running parent and tod- ess Maureen Spinks said a play-
group requires a lot of voluntary
Environment Minister Michael anybody decide that a further commitment to set up a steering
Howard decided in 1992 that the 10,000 houses would not have sig- Sale helps guide committee. "There's a definite need
proposed development would not nificant impact on the environ- for a group, but it can't happen
be likely to have significant effects ment? We welcome the decision down Mexico Way unless people come forward."
on the environment by virtue of which will require an assessment
factors such as its nature, size of on the wildlife in the Haydon 3
location.' area, the amount of traffic it will For newcomers
Now the Government Office for create and the pressure it puts on Mums with babies and small chil-
the South West has declared a pre- Swindon's resources." dren might be feeling a bit lost in
liminary view that the present She added that she hoped that North Swindon, especially if they
Minister 'has had cause to recon- environmental studies will become have just arrived.
sider this decision' because of the standard practice for large hous- Well, Parents and Tinys is ideal
likely traffic generation, the detri- ing developments. for you. The group meets on Fri-
mental effect on the environment, Abbey Meads community asso- day, 10am to 11.30am in Church
and the major urbanising effect on ciation chairman Ian Dobie said he House, 1 Hayward Close, Abbey
the landscape in a rural location. was worried that any hold up in Meads.
A delighted Jean Saunders of house building would delay com- Give Dss. Maureen Spinks a call
Swindon Friends of the Earth said munity facilities. "The number of Amy Phillippo of Garson Road, on 706558, or just turn up for a
the earlier decision had been houses built determines when land Abbey Meads, above, is holding a welcome cup of coffee.
wrong. "We demanded an envi- for a secondary school is released table top sale on Saturday 14
ronmental study in 1992 and were and when the developers are re- March 10am - 12 noon at Abbey
bitterly disappointed. How could quired to build a sports hall." Meads community centre, Elstree
Way to raise funds so that she can
take part in an international
Play areas to be ready for Easter guides rally in Mexico in April.
Work on installing play equipment at three sites on St Andrews Greendown School student Specialists in PVCU,
Ridge started on 17 February and will be completed by 1 April Amy, 15, a member of the Mann- windows, doors and
according to Haydon Development Company engineers Trench Far- ington Ranger Unit at St Peter's conservatories,
row. Church, Westlea and formerly a also carpentry, fencing,
The fully landscapedsites - next member of 2nd Freshbrook
to the Bovis site at The Crescent, Guides,was selected last year to patios, floor tiling.
between the Bryant and Bloor take part in the two week gather- 22 Ravens Walk
Homes developments, and next to ing at the World Guide Centre at
the Charles Wilson site - will have Our Cabana. Wootton Bassett
separate facilities for toddlers and Amy would welcome support Telephone:
for older children. The last of these from buyers in her bid to raise
sites will also have a fenced £1,300. Tables can also be hired at 01793 848177
kickabout area with goal walls and £5. Call 721535 to book. or 01793 770596
basketball nets.
Half term play fun
The Octobus play bus visited St
Andrew's Ridge for a morning half
term craft activity and kite making fix °
on 17 February.
Pictured trying their hands at clay
modelling are Matthew Walsh, Emma
Collins, Clare Nuttall and Spicy Girl
Emma Nuttall

"Set up
specifica
for peopl 7whoq
wish to s
property Nor
West dis indon and
to meet mand from buyers
who see this area as a desirable location"
Serving Greenmeadow, Haydon Wick, Woodhall Park,
WIND Abbey Meads, Upper Stratton, Sparcells & Blunsdon
Free market appraisals, no sale, no fee
Maxwell House • Maxwell Street • Swindon Call Peter Hall on 531734