Page 43 - link magazine

The Link Magazine • April 2002 43

Letters to The Link Letters should be sent to the address on page 4 by the 10th of the month
Councillors. What have they ever done for us?
From Terry Iles, Turnham Green, Freshbrook
As many people know I have been Panel on 7 March I was informed
active in the local community and by one of our local representatives
Freshbrook Community Associa- that, 'he liked it how it was and did
tion for some years. not intend to do anything.'
I have always voted yet I am My view is that whether he likes
finding it a problem as we get it or not he should remember that JUST THE JOB
nearer to the local elections in May it is not his views that count, but
in deciding whether to vote at all, those of the people he represents. Domestic Services Agency
let alone who to vote for. If he cannot represent his elector- requires
I admire the time and commit- ate's wishes then he should recon- Domestic Cleaners & Ironers
ment of all the councillors I have sider whether Fe should continue Flexible hours,
had contact with over the years, as a councillor in Freshbrook, or good rates of pay
irrespective of political persuasion. indeed in any other ward. Phone Jill or Sue on 861112
However I find that the broken I have decided therefore to ask
promises, lack of commitment and our existing councillors and po-
interest in the wishes of local resi- tential councillors through The
The 'forest' in front of Freshbrook
dents leaves me disillusioned. Link, if they intend to carry out the DECOTEX
Community Centre, as well as an-
The most obvious example of other blight on the landscape wishes of local people in the forth-
this is something that has yet to be coming municipal year. Do they Painter & Decorator
resolved after 17 years, despite the lar maintenance, such as pruning, intend to ensure what was prom-
community association bringing it is ever done. In 1993 a meeting was ised is carried out? Do they intend Specialist Artexing
to the attention of numerous coun- attended by local councillors, coun- to represent and promote the aspi-
cillors time and again. cil officers and the police. It was rations of local people, or go their Tel: (01793) '791388
When the temporary Freshbrook agreed that the trees and shrubs own way as all others before them
community centre was removed must be cut back substantially. have done?
and the village centre car park was The community association Perhaps if they don't want to Ironing a chore?
built with raised planters, the com- AGM in 2001 discussed the state of listen to their voters we should not
munity association was consulted the planter yet again and members vote at all. Perhaps we should also Not any more!
over what should be put in. Our unanimously agreed that some- decline to pay our council tax until Ironing done in a smoke free
view was that only low shrubs thing must be done in 2002. our councillors start carrying out environment at sensible rates
should be planted so that the view Despite this resolution by the what they promise to do. Perhaps
of the new community centre was local community, and the prom- if they cannot do what local people Call Jackie on 721878
y
not obstructed. What we now have ises and commitments made over want the should not stand. or Donna on 721719
is a small forest, which for much of the years by councillors and offic-
the year totally hides the building. ers nothing has ever been done.
To make matters worse no regu- When I attended the Local Area A 2 Z Home Improvements

All your needs in one number
Graffiti in Grange Park
Kitchen/Bathroom fitting, Tiling, Plumbing, Electrics.
From AClaydon- Smith, address sup- From S. Mitchell, Moresby Close,
Painting, Decorating, Carpentry and much more
plied Westlea
Come on Grange Park - am I the One recent Sunday evening I drove 111 Pinehurst Road Tel: (01793) 3199671
only person with vision. Can any- along Sudeley Way and saw a man Swindon Mobile: (07778)) 207977
one else see the increased graffiti? putting the finishing touches to a
Dare I say, probably not, as some wall he had just painted. It was a
residents seem happy to leave it long wall and it must have taken
on their walls. Is this apathy or him most of the day to do it.
despair? The next morning as I passed it
If you contact Swindon Borough noticed that some mindless soul
Council they will remove it free of had sprayed graffiti on the wall.
charge though you do have to sign Such a shame. It is a pity that the Tel: SWINDON [01193110010
a disclaimer in case the mortar gets offender could not have offered
damaged. Perhaps if more people more practical help when the poor
phoned the council they would chap was painting the wall rather With 230 bikes on Shoal Parts and accessories
Repairs workshop
have to do something more long than spoil it. THE choice is great Open: Mon to Sat
term to help residents. 9am to 5.30pm
We all need to do our bit, small Competition winners THE price is right
or great. If an area looks bad, then Tickets to Circus Hilarious (February Link): Closed Sundays
it will just get worse, more damage Mrs T O'Connor, Thurney Dr., Grange Park THE forecourt parking is free
Tutankhamun exhibition (March)
and less care taken.
Ms Jo A. Perrys Lane, Wroughton: Georgia
Grange Park and West Swindon iO DWEICESTL
Page, Plattes Cl., Shaw; P Bingham,
has so much going for it - trees and
Lanhydrock Cl., Freshbrook; NatashaGazzard,
green areas for one thing and lovely noa = e[eRO AD
Fenland Cl., Middleleaze; Mrs Trudy Talbot,
cycle paths - excluding the waste
Birdcombe Rd., Westlea; Miss LCandlin, Green- I
that is thrown in them.
wich Cl. Abbey Meads: Kevin Russell, Dart-
It makes me almost want to weep A
moor Cl.; CV Freel, Stanbridge Pk., Shaw; Mrs WE
when I see these things. I know it M Weeks. Beverly, Toothill; Mrs S Gentleman. HERE
has all been said before and maybe Bancroft Cl, Grange Park Dena Bit
I am living in a dream world, but Pilates video (March)
we cannot give up. We must try to Helen Ramchurn, Applewood Court, Westlea: 60a Beechcroft Road ( ex car showroom)
make all aspects of our environ- MrsTorchia, Calder CL, Greenmeadow; Mrs B Between Stratton Crossroads and Kingsdown
ment better. Longden, Thames Ave., Swindon