Page 13 - link magazine

LETTER FROM WESTMINSTER 13

Hopes for the future Bevirs Solicitors
for Independent Financial Advice
At the beginning of a new year and a new millennium we naturally
See us first for impartial guidance on investment and money matters
think about our hopes for the future, writes Julia Drown, MP for
South Swindon. Offices in Swindon, Wootton Bassett and Caine
We all want change for the bet- see the positive impact of these Contact Jeremy Angell on 01249 814536
y
ter to happen quickly - particu- extra resources and initiatives. Authorised b the Law Society to conduct investment business
larly when it comes to public serv- I share everyone's desire to see
ices and important issues such as improved public transport and a
health, housing and crime. But, more healthy and sustainable en- Action Secretarial Services
lasting and effective change re- vironment. A Transport Bill in 2000
quires solid foundations. will help deliver this and we will Typing/Admin/PA & Book-Keeping
It is just as frustrating for politi- also see new measures to improve
cians as it is for the general public access to open countryside and to Reports/Letters/Essays/CV's etc
that the positive impact of many protect our wildlife. Affordable & Flexible Services
new policies is not felt for months It is important to remember the
or sometimes even needs and ambitions of Call (01793) 772268
years. But that does the world's poorer coun-
not mean that the poli- tries. As I write the
cies and goals are Chancellor Gordon
wrong. Brown has announced
Nationally, I am the wonderful news that THE
looking forward to Britain is prepared to
more improvements write off all debts owed IREPLAC^
in education and by the world's poorest F
health over the com- countries. It is hoped CENTRE
ing years. The Labour that as many as 26 coun-
Government has put tries will benefit from
significant extra in- this decision by the end SPECIALISTS
vestment into these of 2000. This would not IN FIRES
key public services have happened without
and has set challenging targets, the sustained pressure of thou- & FIREPLACES
such as literacy standards and tru- sands of people across the coun-
ancy rates in education, and wait- try, including many from Swin-
ing times and cancer treatment in don. I have been proud to repre- Visit our extended showrooms at:
health. We want to build public sent their views in Parliament by Rodbourne Rd, Swindon. Tel: (01793) 612288
services that we are all proud of leading calls for debt elimination Closed on
and having targets means we can for the new millennium.
be judged by our actions. I, like Jubilee 2000, am delighted
I am also hopeful that we will has shown it is at the vanguard in
see crime rates come down as a efforts to find meaningful ways to
result of national initiatives and tackle poverty and deprivation in
the work of local partnerships that the world's poorest countries.
are being established to tackle In Swindon we can look forward
crime at a local level. 1999 saw the to the completion of our brand new
beginning of the largest investment hospital. This will make available
ever in a programme to reduce the most up-to-date medical facili-
crime and rebuild our communi- ties and more space to provide
ties, including the £250 million services to the people of Swindon
Crime Reduction Programme, the and the surrounding area.
£50 million Burglary Reduction Ini- We can also look forward to
tiative and the pledge of an extra more NHS dentists, a National
£1.24 billion for the police service Collections Centre for Museums
over the next three years. In the at Wroughton, a vibrant local
coming months, we will start to economy and high employment.
This, together with all our other
strengths, we hope will bring us
Neighbourhood City Status for the 21st Century.
security And finally, I hope to see more
involvement in the political proc-
The Freshbrook Neighbourhood ess. It is disturbing how many peo- For your retirement living we currently have
Safety Teams - NeST - one of four ple feel alienated from and apa-
pilot schemes in Swindon is meet- thetic towards politics. I hope the vacancies at Brain Court, Stratton St. Margaret
ing in late January to discuss is- 21st century will see more people and Windmill Court, Freshbrook, Swindon.
sues raised by residents, council- than ever before engaging in poli-
lors and police. tics - locally, nationally, and inter- Please contact our Regional Office:
If you want your concerns raised nationally to play their part in im- Western Region, 10 The Parade
about crime, vandalism, burglary, proving our world. Marlborough, Wiltshire SN8 INE
graffiti, and environmental prob- I would like to wish everyone a
lems like broken street lights and happy and successful year and cen- Tel: 01672 515622
litter, contact local councillors tury ahead!
Chris Eley on 616361 or Judith If you would like to get in touch
Peppitt on 887613, or Swindon with me on any issue, please write James Butcher
Council's Crime & Disorder coor- to me at 39 Victoria Road, Swin- Housing Association
dinator Miriam Minty on 466510. don SN1 3AT. Tel: 615444.