Page 4 - link magazine

4 The Link Magazine • April 2006
Law Centre secure, but Safer Swindon Shop could close
When its application for a community grant was turned down early in March, the Wiltshire Law Centre
WEST SWINDON looked set for difficult times. However, in a last minute reprieve Swindon Council came up with a grant
FAMILY CENTRE of £52,646 to compliment the funding from the Legal Services Commission (LSC).
is looking for a The Law Centre was featured in lobbied the council and had been Pamela Judge, LSC Regional
PART-TIME VOLUNTARY the March Link, celebrating its 25th helped to make their case by Coun Communications Manager, said
ADVICE POINT WORKER anniversary with a new contract Andrew Bennett, cabinet member the original grant was awarded on
for one session per week, from the LSC to provide free legal for communities and partnerships. the basis that Swindon Council
approximately 3 to 4 hours advice, advocacy on housing and "We are all very relieved to get would have to sustain longer term
You must be someone with good welfare benefit issues. The centre the funding to sustain our work, funding for the shop. "It's been a
communication, interpersonal, also provides i mmigration advice, though we will have to review all very good project. They have met
numeracy and literacy skills debt advice and counselling and aspects of our operation." all the targets we set them."
and it is essential that you mental health law support. However the future of the Safer Coun Bennettwasguarded about
can work confidentially The original application to the Swindon Shopisuncertainasfund- the council's intentions. "The future
Please ring Alison Lowe or council for £118,000 was turned ing from the Legal Services Corn- of the Safer Swindon Shop is being
Julie Batson for further information down as it did not score enough mission has come to an end. reviewed and we hope to reach a
on 01793 871303 points against the criteria for com- Over the past 5 years, council decision by the end of April."
munity grants. staff at the public information and Funding allocation has not ap-
Where the council has found the advice point in Havelock Street peared in any budget papers,
No time for DIY? extra money from is unclear, have provided guidance on crime which casts doubt on its future.
HANDYMAN at Home" Neil Baker, Law Centre business prevention, community safety and Council spokeswoman Anne
Quality service for all your DIY jobs manager, explained that they had trading standards advice. They Glover explained that the shop did
• Assemble flat-packs - - - - also signpost callers to other Swin- not meet the criteria for a commu-
• Put up shelves, blinds. curtains don Council departments and or- nity grant. "After the review the
• Install appliances Michael Mugridge ganisations like Victim Support, services will continue in some form
• Decorating, tiling. flooring Michael Mugridge. one of the first I the Law Centre and Age Concern, or another."
• Small plumbing jobs residents to arrive in Freshbrook in
• Replace electrical fittings 1978. died in mid-March.
• Install and set up your tv, hi-fi, He was a founder member of the Social Care search for stars
home cinema, new phone ext. Freshbrook Village Group which The council has started a Q ualit Service Award scheme for Swindon
y
• In fact any normal DIY job campaigned for better facilities in social care staff and wants to receive nominations.
All types of job in one visit the area, including both the tempo If you've been impressed by a person or a team, including customer
Call (local rate) rarywoodencommunitycentreand and support services staff, who have made a difference to you, or a
member of your family, call 463496 or download a form from
0845 200 7821 the present building which opened \\•Nvw.swindon.gov.uk/socialcare/qualityserviceawards
in i 1 984 .
see our website for more details The closing date for nominations is 19 May.
www.handymanathome.co.uk Michael was 69 and leaves his
Let us quote for your larger jobs too wife Sheila and children David and What do you think of Swindon Council?
Lisa.
Tell them face to face or in writing
Councillors on Swindon's cabinet At the end of April the council is
now hold an informal 30 minute putting up suggestion boxes in
discussion before each cabinet council premises like leisure cen-
u WdCOVAeL meeting. The public also have 15 tres and libraries. Residents are
minutes to put questions at the
invited to write in with views on
beginning of the cabinet meeting services and ideas for improve-
but this is usually restricted to a ment. These will be answered by
single item. council officers.
The next meetings take place at People can also contact their lo-
6.30pm on: 19 April, 7 June and 12 cal councillors - details are avail-
July. Pre-cabinet discussions take able in libraries or at:
place at 6pm. www.swindon.gov.uk

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