Page 6 - link magazine

The Link Magazine • March 2004
D day for the Mechanics'
I
Last month central area councillor David Nash wrote a stinging criticism of the proposals to turn the Grade II listed Mechanics' Institute
in the town centre into a hotel and challenged Swindon Council's planning committee to decline the application when it considers the plans.
In the interest of balance we in- given a new life as a hotel and why that a report from English Herit- who has contacted us is revolted
vited the owner of the building, his project is a viable proposition age would be available, by the hotel plan and cannot be-
Matthew Singh of Forefront Es- for Swindon. Although he has had Martha Parry of the New Me- lieve how council officials are so
tates, to respond and explain how a month to write an article we have chanics' Institution Trust, which out of touch with public opinion.
the crumbling structure can be not heard from him, has battled for seven years to save "We can only hope that 8 out of
So here is another Link impres- the building for community use, the 15 councillors can see that this

Thamesdown Transport,
Still sitting in tha f? rolling into the next 100 years

traffic queue'. Swindon's transport company is celebrating its centenary with a year
of events, souvenirs and a competition.
A special gold centenary logo to Managing Director John Owen
appear on Thamesdown Transport said Thamesdown Transport had
buses and bus stops was revealed come a long way since it began life
at the end of January and in March as Swindon Corporation Tram-
Isn't it about time four new buses will arrive, one of ways in 1904. "Although we are a
you thought seriously which will be painted gold. A 1970s council owned business we are an
double decker painted in period independent,self-financingopera-
about a scooter? livery will also be on the road and tion with a great future. We look
a vintage bus complete with con- forward to vacating Corporation
A quick, cost efficient
ductor issuing commemorative Street in a couple of years and
alternative means of
tickets will be making special jour- moving to a new depot where the
transport for commuters neys during the summer months. present municipal dump is now.
• Ride one on a car licence A free entry Bus Rally and Dis- And in due course we will be in-
• Over 100+ mpg play will take place on 12 Septem- troducing a cashless bus with pas-
ber at the Science Museum, sengers paying for trips with a
• Annual road tax: only £15
Wroughton. smart card."
• Brand new from only
£999 O.T.R.?
Don't settle for second best
/^ Peugeot Speedfight from £1.799
L^ 19 + Special package deal for beginners
Cycling Centre
Fer dale Road
Finance & insurance arranged to
suit your personal requirements n
Q oaso
7-7
233 Ferndale Road, Swindon • Tel: (01793) 536657