Page 13 - link magazine

LETTER FROM WESTMINSTER 13

Railways must have passenger confidence COOPERS CHEMIST

WEST SWINDON CENTRE
Every one will have been as appalled as I was by the news of the rail crash near Paddington, writes
Swindon South MP Julia Drown. Fine fragrances,
Around fifty people from Swin- world and it makes me very proud Finally, my work on increasing toiletries, ear piercing
don were on the train and many of to represent Swindon in Parlia- NHS dentists continues. The Gov-
etc.
us spent worrying hours fearing ment. ernment has already helped to es-
what might have happened to Also in September Labour's tablish three new practices in Swin- APS, developing & printing
friends and family. 100th annual conference in Sep- don, meaning that 13,000 people One free 35mm 24 exp film
Our hearts go out to all those tember announced help for eligi- will be able to register for NHS with every 35mm roll
who were hurt and bereaved by ble pensioners and families to- dental treatment. I am currently
the crash. The Government acted wards installing central heating in trying to get approval for a fourth. developed on the premises
quickly after the accident; the their homes. There was news of To get in touch with me on any Tel: 872033
Health and Safety Executive pro- another 17 NHS walk-in clinics, issue, write to 39 Victoria Road,
duced an interim report within where people will be able to re- Swindon SN1 3AT, or contact my Open 7 days a week
three days of the accident, all the ceive medical help without an ap- office by ordinary 'phone or Mon - Fri 9am - 8pm,
railway operators were written to pointment. These add to the first textphone on Swindon 615444. Sat 9am - 6pm, Sun 10am - 3pm
and told to look again at how driv- fourteen, one of which will be here
ers were being trained, and a full in Swindon.
public inquiry was announced.
More action will be taken because Digging in: One of Frank Dobson's
it is essential that the confidence in last acts as Secretary of Statefor Health
railway safety is restored. was to start work on Swindon's new
A much happier time was Local hospital. He also signed a book of
Democracy Week in September. I condolences to the victims of the Pad-
enjoyed my visit to Westlea Pri- dington rail crash
mary School to talk about my work (Photo: Calyx Multimedia Swindon)
as a Member of Parliament and the
ways in which everyone can in-
volve themselves in politics both
locally and nationally.
I was impressed at their interest
in, amongst other things, the home-
less in Swindon and in Jubilee 2000 West Swindon Centre 38c Gainsborough Avenue
- the campaign to write off the debt Swindon • Tel: 870462 Wootton Bassett • Tel: 853220
of the world's poorest country. The
Not valid in coniuction with any other Partners discount scheme or offer
children illustrated how the peo-
ple of Swindon really care about
others in the community and the

Ihe. Pros,,
Have ^osPice c,
2
y ou —'°
signed And Jack Straw announced

up yet? funds to recruit 5,000 more police
officers to be appointed over the
Swindon's new — next 3 years. He has made it clear
lottery, to help the that this money is for additional
Prospect Hospice is heading for officers who would not otherwise
its first big draw on 5 November. have been appointed. These were
On offer is a weekly top prize of all good announcements - show-
£1,000 and prizes for 74other ticket ing that the Government is work-
holders. Honda have donated a ing hard to make Britain better
lawnmower valued at over £550 step by step.
for the first draw. Here in Swindon, the contract
It costs only £1 a week to enter, for our new hospital has now been
preferably by standing order. signed. We welcomed Frank
Application forms can be obtained Dobson, on his last day as Secre-
at Prospect Shops in the Brunel tary of State for Health, to the town
Centre in Havelock Street, Old to start off the building work. This For your retirement living we currently have
Town, and Gorse Hill. Weekly hospital will have 19% more space vacancies at Brain Court, Stratton St. Margaret
tickets can be bought there as well. for treating patients than PMH.
The Prospect Hospice provides There will be a bigger casualty and Windmill Court, Freshbrook, Swindon.
specialist palliative care to help department, more theatres and the
individuals and those close to them modern facilities that will make Please contact our Regional Office-
throughout the many stages of ter- Swindon's health services fit for Western Region, 10 The Parade
minal illness, including death. the 21st century. It is also being Marlborough, Wiltshire SN8 I NE
Eighty per cent of the £5,000 a built with the environment in mind
day running costs has to be found with ideas like composting con- Tel: 01672 515622
from voluntary sources to cover struction waste on site rather than
expenses and new developments. using landfills, looking to make James Butcher
For details, or if you can help by use of local firms to reduce travel-
selling tickets door to door, call the ling, and also trying to use envi- Housing Association
lottery office on 615870. ronmentally friendly materials.