Page 4 - link magazine

4 The Link Magazine • September 2000
TRACEY' S Need The New Democracy at work?
COMPLETE curtains Area Panels along with the Policy Commissions
WE COME TO YOU and Scrutiny Commissions are an important part
* Free collection CURTAIN or blinds of Swindon Borough Council's new partnership
& delive ry SERVICE made?'' approach to consultation and decision making,
ri
* Servicing & P ce from: designed to give transparency to the process
A repairs Curtains £25 Tie backs £1.5 and to improve access to local councillors, writes
BIKE * No call out charge Pelmets £25 • Austrian,tslinds £20 Councillor Barrie Thompson, Swindon Cabinet
DOCTOR
WE ALSO SELL • Accessories £5 • Hanging from £1 S Member for Pa rtnerships & Equalities.
Prices exclude material cost After the first round of meetings held at the
* New & used cycles Free estimating and vice Civic Offices. the next will take place in the
* New clearance models Design, making and complete community. Here he encourages all readers to
(up to 50% off) fitting service available use this chance to participate in local affairs.
* Parts & accessories Large range of material samples
available. Prices from £6 Why don't you participate in our Discussing these matters at area
democracy, why don't you vote? panel meetings in no way inhibits
Call Tracey or Amanda
on 01793 886110:' Are you one of those cynics who the right of the citizen to attend
believes politicians are only in it other meetings of the council and
for what they can get? Do you speak about their concerns, to en-
believe that no matter what you sure the matter is fully and prop-
say, they won't listen and there is erly dealt with during public ques-
CARTEILKEAD & DOVE nothing you can do about it? Well, tion time.
area panels are designed to prove Area panels are not talking
S O L I C I T O R S you wrong. shops, the minutes of area panels
There are six panels made of are public documents and are dealt
Commerce House, 34/35 Commercial Road councillors representing the areas with in the same way as all min-
Swindon SN1 5NS they cover and can be added to by utes of the council.
the co-option of individual resi- Therefore, this is your chance to
A fast efficient fully computerised service for dents and representatives of par- get involved in your area panel
* Conveyancing * Family Law * Wills & Probate ticular interest groups like a com- and become part of the decision
munity associations. making process. Don't let your
For more information visit our website: Area panels do not have execu- elected councillors take the deci-
www.crd.org.uk tive decision making powers and sion for you, make them listen and
have to make recommendations be aware of your views. If neces-
Or telephone for a quote: through the cabinet to the council. sary give them a verbal kicking,
Nor can they deal with individual come and put some excitement and
Tel: (01793) 617617 Fax: (01793) 511249 cases such as planning or housing meaning back into your democ-
allocation. racy.
Panels also consider matters af- Area panels take place at 7pm on:
fecting all Swindon's citizens such September
as the council's transportation 7 West, Link Centre
policy and major development and 14 North Central, Oasis
KINGFISHER service provision plans. These October
matters will be passed to area pan-
5 South East, Broadgreen Centre
els for consideration during the 12 South, Commonweal School
WINDOWS • DOORS • CONSERVATORIES same cycle of meetings so recom- (to be confirmed)
mendations can be considered at 18 East, Coleview Community
either policy commissions and/or Centre
the cabinet, before final decisions 19 Northern, Catherine Wayte
are made by the council. School, Abbey Meads

the Link Mag azine

• Full Range of PVC-U and Aluminium Products Published by
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• Competitive Finance Options Papermakers House, Westlea October edition: 11 Sepember
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e: [email protected] "The Link was first published for the West
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Hfr General enquiries: Tel: (01793) 872282 leisure centre in 1984. Distribution in North
95 ]5,2 k/S^LSKMDOW Stories for North Swindon, Hayden Wick, Swindon commenced in Janua ry 1994."
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