Page 4 - link magazine

4 The Link Magazine • January 2000

Ringing in the new century US retail giant Wal-Mart buys
The team who rang the bells at St Mary's Church in Lydiard Park, front from
left: David Miles, Samantha Clark, Diana Williams, Sarah Franklin, Rose- north district centre
mary Ogle, John Wiltshire, Mark Reeder, David Franklin
The buyer of one of Swindon's largest commercial developments is
to be Asda UK, now part of the giant US retailer Wal-Mart.
The site to the north of Haydon December 1998 showed that no
End Lane and west of Lady Lane, leisure facilities such as a cinema
is huge, covering 36 acres. At or a sports complex are proposed
340,000 square feet, it is as big as for the district centre, except a li-
the Greenbridge retail park and brary and a youth centre.
half the size of the West Swindon The northern secondary school
Centre, where Asda is already es- to be sited in the north west corner
tablished. The scale of the devel- of the Haydon III development, to
opment will fit neatly into the Wal- be built some time in the next ten
Mart model in the United States of years, could incorporate a recrea-
operating from very large retail tion and sports centre.
parks to dominate market share. A requirement upon the district

Pensioners protest at passes cutback
Swindon Council has decided to scrap the tokens scheme which
entitles each pensioner to £45 annual free travel on bus, rail and taxis.
The Environmental Services of policy was limited before they
committee agreed on 15 December made the decision. The level of
that it had to reduce its budget consultation was poor."
overspend on free travel by mak- Age Concern Swindon director
ing pensioners pay for half of each Jo Osorio, commented, 'clarifica-
trip. The committee will not be tion is still needed for those who
charging pensioners £5 for the an- can use both community transport
nual bus pass when the new ar- and public transport, but Age Con-
rangements are implemented. cern believes that there should be
Les Morris from Westlea said he a decent retirement pension so that
was not impressed by the council's concessions would not be needed
actions. "Publicity for this change because they are divisive."

However a spokesperson at centre developers will be to holda
PHILIP STONE
Asda headquarters in Leeds cat- public exhibition of proposals and
PAINTER & egorically dismissed the purchase residents will have the chance to
comment on the range of retail
of the site as pure speculation, say-
DECORATOR Specialists in PVCU, ing that they had no expansion outlets and facilities to be included.
windows, doors and plans for the Swindon area. When this takes place is uncer-
Although many new jobs will be
For a high standard conservatories, created at the district centre, which tain. Planning permission for the
6,000 home Haydon III area has
of work also carpentry, fencing, will serve both the 10,000 home still to be given. The development
References available patios, floor tiling. northern development and also partners, which now includes Wal-
attract the population within a 30 Mart, have to enter into a legal
Telephone now for a 22 Ravens Walk mile radius, there are concerns agreement with S windon Council
FREE ESTIMATE Wootton Bassett about the lack of leisure, cultural to provide a range of facilities. This
Telephone: or sports facilities planned for has to be force before a start can be
Tel: 870515 or North Swindon. made on the northern orbital road
01793 848177 A public exhibition of the plans which must be completed before
Mobile 0374 - 208527
or 01793 770596 for the Haydon III development in there are any house occupations.
More foster carers needed
PARTNERS Swindon Borough Council's social services department will start a
campaign in February to attract more people to provide foster homes
HAIR for children and young people aged 0 to 18 years old.
Anyone can apply to foster, though those with certain criminal
records cannot be considered. People do not have to be married, work-
ing, wealthy, home owning or belong to any particular religion or race.
FREE CHILD'S CUT & BLOW DRY Children need foster care for a number of reasons: family crisis,
relationship difficulties between child and parents, abuse.
WITH ONE LADIES CUT & BLOW DRY Fostering can be short term placements for a few weeks or months,
long term care for several months or years, or respite care for a few days
DURING JANUARY in a month. There are also specialist schemes for children with disabili-
ties and placements for children who have more challenging behaviour.
Foster carers receive initial training before being approved and
West Swindon Centre 38c Gainsborough Avenue ongoing training whilst fostering. There is also support from family
Swindon • Tel: 870462 Wootton Bassett • Tel: 853220 placement workers, social workers and other foster carers.
For information about fostering, call the Social Services Family Place-
t valid in coniuction with any other Pa rtners discount scheme or offer
ment Team on 465700.