Page 22 - link magazine

22
LETTER FROM WESTMINSTER
The Right to Roam

Although a large part of MP Michael Wills' North Swindon constituency lies within the town, there is also a substantial rural area. Here
he comments on Government moves to give the majority the right to enjoy the countryside.
"This is a busy time in Westmin- Under the new laws we will all be restrictions to prevent visitors Many constituents have told me
ster, as the Government sets about free to enjoy this heritage of moun- putting at risk the very landscapes how pleased they are that the Gov-
delivering on the commitments it tain, moor, heath, down and regis- and communities they come to see. ernment has delivered on this
made at the election and in the last tered common land. Across Eng- Land managers willbe able to close pledge. I believe it is a powerful
Queen's speech. land and Wales it will open up land for short periods, and Na- symbol of this Government's de-
Last month another of these was about four million acres of land. tional Park Authorities and other termination to open up opportu-
honoured, as the Government an- In my North Swindon constitu- localauthoritieswillbeabletoclose nitiestoeveryone,whetherinedu-
nounced it would introduce laws , ency there are many working land where it is in the interests of cation, employment or our free
to give people greater freedom to farms, so I am pleased that the wildlife, heritage or land manage- time, so that we can all get more
explore our open countryside. Government's package includes ment to do so. out of life."

Make a new start Millennium celebrations in Swindon
with a quiet revolution After a failed lottery bid, Swindon Borough Council's community and leisure services department is
this Easter requesting £30,000 from the policy and resources committee at their meeting on 8 April, for millennium
celebrations.
Southern Arts, who were admin- ready planning and how they
istering the lottery funding, re- might like to be involved in the
ceived applications totalling £36 festival. "We want lots of local
million. With only £650,000 avail- participation," she said.
able, Swindon's bid was one of Community and Leisure Serv-
many that were passed over. ices are already starting to put to-
The money requested from gether a Swindonwide millennium
Announcing the coming of STEAM
policy and resources is needed to diary. Plans currently include a
at the Churchward site
start work on organising Swindon Festival of Sport and annual events
City Festival 2000 and celebrations cause we think there will bea natu- such as the Literature Festival, the
for the 21st birthday of the Na- ral feeling of euphoria as people Wiltshire Festival and the Old
Discover the real Jesus tional Dance Agency for the South embrace the first summer of the Town Gardens Concert Series.
of England, Swindon Dance. Once
millennium," said Public Arts Of-
But, to the borough, STEAM, the
at one of the churches this has been secured, further spon- ficer Lorraine Cox. new railway heritage museum, is
in West Swindon sorship will be sought. Once start-up funding has been Swindon's millennium centre-
"Swindon City Festival will aim found, Lorraine will be contacting piece. Its opening in the spring of
See the combined churches to gather people together through- community organisations and 2000 will launch the summer of
advertisement on page 39 out the borough to celebrate be- schools to ask what they are al- celebration.

3 ASDA Superstore
3 MARTINS Newsagents
FAMILY 3 DIXONS Electrical Retailers
Motor Accessories
3 MOTORSAVE
3 ROSEBY'S Curtains & Bedding
SHOPPING 3 QS Familywear
3 CARLSON
WORLDWIDE
V THE SPOS Travel Agents
Chemists
3 THE SPO RTS

WITH A SMILE n FACTORY Sportswear & Equipment
3 MR. MINIT Shoe repairs/Key cutting
3 CLARKS Shoes
3 THE BAGGAGE
FACTORY Travel Goods
Yes, shopping with the family can be fun-fu 3 MAST S & Solicitors
N
R
especially at the West Swindon Shopping Centre 3 BARRATTS SHOES Shoe Shop
where you can visit all your favourite shops in an 3 JD BROWN Jewellers
all-weather, relaxing atmosphere. Take advantage of 3 JOHNSONS Dry Cleaners
3 TAYLORS Estate Agents
our children's creche, places to eat, low priced 3 NAT WEST BANK
petrol and free and secure parking - all on one level. 3 HK97 Chinese Take-away
3 DOMINO'S PIZZA
3 FINDERS KEEPERS Rented Accommodation
3 P Opticians
r
PA
^y- 3 RTNE Hairdressing Salon
d
Hairress
PARTNERS
3 VIDEO SOLENT
3 LADBROKES Turf Accountants
3 TRAWLERMAN Fish & Chips Takeaway
3 HARVESTER PUB
3 HALIFAX Building Society
WEST SWINDON SHOPPING CENTRE V DENTAL PRACTICE
Tewkesbury Way, Swindon 3 RED BALLOON Restaurant