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See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com The Link ine • July 1999
Is Swindon ready to become a city?

Last month we questioned whether the time is For many, economic success has created a sense of We have two large
right for the town to be awarded city status. Our unease about getting even larger. City status sug- barns full of top
concern is that whilst the idea is generally thought gests continued expansion with the possible de- quality furnishing
a good thing for business, there has been little terioration of services, the environment and qual- fabrics (often more 'EN
debate of the issue at a community level - from the ity of life. Would it be better to be a successful big than 50 metres) which
point of view of the people who live in the town. town, rather aspiring to become a small city?
are the ends of ranges.
Also wallpapers. All are from
What are the benefits? leading manufacturers at
The Bishop of Swindon the Rt Revd Michael Doe, chaired a working group 'City Status for greatly reduced prices.
Swindon' which submitted an application to the Home Office last October. He writes: Why not come and see us?
City Status is an honour given to a — don today, and to affirm that we Sue Cutcliffe. Giles Green,
Borough by the Queen, on the ad- want to play our part in its future. Brinkworth, Nr Chippenham.
vice of the Home Office, usually Of course, as the editorial in the Tel: 01666 510685
Open Monday - Saturday 9am - 1 pm
on the occasion of a royal anniver- June Link said, there's still a lot to
sary. The last was Sunderland in be done if we are to be a successful
1992, to mark the fortieth year of city in all its aspects. Whilst be-
the Queen's accession. coming a city cannot but have a
Last year we here in Swindon positive effect on further economic
persuaded the Home Secretary success, we need to ensure that 'WE COME TO YOU'
that, rather than wait until 2002, this enriches the whole commu- * Free collection
there should be a new city created nity, supplementing public serv- & delivery
to mark the Millennium. On the What it will do is give national ices where the low rate of council * Servicing &
day of the State Opening of Parlia- and overdue recognition of what tax cannot provide what is needed. fls A repairs
ment, I went with our two MPs to Swindon has become. In the south We need to achieve more in the
BIKE * No call out charge
meet Mr Straw, and present him west region we are not just one fields of higher education, com-
with a document setting out why municipal borough but the third munity-building and our cultural WE ALSO SELL
Swindon should be that first new largest and most significant centre life. But becoming a city will surely Jr New & used cycles
city of a new Millennium. of population. Our economic be a further incentive to work to-
The 'City Status' group which growth and importance is now rec- gether for the good of all. rt New clearance models
I've been chairing over the past ognised internationally. As our (up to 50% off)
two years is made up of people submission stated, we are a "com- Deserved recognition * Parts & accessories
from the public, private and vol- munity built on achievement". Swindon is uniquely qualified to
untary sectors of the town. It has The year 2000 will also be Swin- become a city writes council leader
the support of the Borough Coun- don's centenary as aborough. Sup- Sue Bates on page 4
cil but, unlike most of the other porting the bid to become a city is
boroughs now looking for such an opportunity for the whole com-
recognition, it comes from the munity to celebrate our history, to Find Out How Ambrose House
wider community rather than the say we're proud to be part of Swin-
council itself. An important and Can Help With Your Business
very enthusiastic member is the
Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire. What are your views on Telephone Answering
City status will not give us a city status for Swindon?
Lord Mayor, and it has nothing to - Non-Residential
do with having a Cathedral. It will We'll publish them in the magazine Business Support
not ensure that 'Swindon City FC' and also on our web site at
gets into the Premier League - but www.swindonlink.com Serviced Offices
we can still hope! See the addresses below - Private Parking
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West Swindon Publications
edition: 12 July
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Published: 24 July Ambrose House Business Centre
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Copy for September: 13 August
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The Link was first published for the West Managed Without Us
e mail: [email protected]
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Publisher/Editor: Roger Ogle and, in fact, won a competition to name the AMBRO SE 01793 601600
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Swindon commenced in January 1994."
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