Page 6 - link magazine

6 The virtual Link Magazine now online @ www.swindonlink.com
Trust targets 2010 for Mechanics' takeover
Swindon Council will start building its new central library in the Spring. But Martha Parry of the Mechanics' Trust looks back almost 50 years to
the closure of the town's original public li brary, and forward to 2010 when the trust has brought its campaign to regain the building for the people
of Swindon to a successful conclusion.
In 1960 the phenomenal library col- entire new wing had to be added what remaining volumes they On1 January 2007 you will hear
lection at Swindon's Mechanics' to the building in 1892 to provide could afford and salted them away of our new campaign to resolve
Institution was broken up, after access for all during the GWR's in their lofts. They rarely appear in the 'Mechanics problem' by 2010.
117 years of cutting-edge service to golden age before World War I. second hand shops, but a good Three ownershave tried to come
a constantly growing and knowl- Womelandchildrenhadtheirown number have been donated to the up with commercially viable plans
edge-hungry new town, dedicated reading rooms. In 1930 trust, since it was set up 12 years and failed. We agree, action is re-
As befitted the only town another extension was required. ago next March with the aim of quired. The Mechanics' belongs to
founded by 1K Brunel- a factSwin- It was a sad day when the books returning the premises and corn- the people of Swindon; it should
y
don had forgotten until this year's were added to the borough coun- inunit spirit of the institute to the be returned to the community with
celebrations - the library had cil's collection first established in people of Swindon. new2lstCenturyuses-in the spirit
grown apace with the town. An 1943. Institute members bought up Although the Mechanics' build- of all those Swindonians who made
ing closed in 1986, its character - it a place of learning and innova-
developed by the workers from tion in social provision.
Bringing the village hall into the 21st Century the earliest days of the GWR in • For details of the Mechanics'
Swindon Council wants to hear from people about how council run Swindon - changed profoundly Trust campaign call 520592.
community halls and social centres across the town are used now, and when the library shut. www.new-mechanics.com
how they would like facilities to be developed.
Coun Steve Wakefield, cabinet member for Community & Neigh-
bourhoods, will be responsible for a review lasting several months. Parents get letters to reinforce
Some areas like West Swindon have a large number of meeting places;
North Swindon is poorly served by the council. dispersal order at Shaw
He said, "this is all part of the transformation of Swindon. To attract Some parents in the Shaw area have received letters from the police
businesses into the town, community facilities have to be at the fore- and Swindon Council's crime prevention team telling them their
front of our thinking. We're asking people to come forward with their children continue to assemble at Shaw Village Centre and could be
ideas for the kind of facilities needed for the next twenty years." arrested for breaching the conditions of a dispersal order by causing
At the West Swindon Forum on 13 November, Freshbrook councillor harrassment and alarm to people in the area.
Peter Greenhalgh said Upper Shaw Farm social centre is likely to close Traders attended a
when Shaw Ridge Primary School is rebuilt with community facilities. meeting at the end of Oc-
As reported on pages 3 and 4, despite massive public support, the tober to assess the order
council does not think Lower Shaw Farm is worth keeping either. made on 11 September.
The cabinet will launch the review on 5 December. Comments or They told Swindon coun-
suggestions should be sent to Chris Sivers, Director for Community: cillors and the police that
[email protected] young people continue to
gather to cause noise, in-
convenience and threat to
people visiting the shops,
as well as riding scooters
on adjacent roads.
They complained that
®® WEST SWINDON CHILDREN'S CENTRE the police are not doing
enough to enforce the or-
FRESHBROOK der.
However PC Paul Some of the West Swindon team. From left, WPC
Administrative Assistant Matthews said ring lead- Rachel Hardy, WPC Pat Salter, CPSO Richard
ers have been identified Lane, CPSO Amanda Luker, PC Paul Matthews.
We have a vacancy for a part-time Admin Assistant
and letters sent to parents Regrettably PC Matthews is returning to the Met
for approximately 16 hours per week.
reminding them of their and WPC Hardy is inoving to another departinent,
Knowledge of Microsoft Office Professional is essential. responsibilities. as is newly arrived Sgt Nick Johns (not pictured)
You will need to be a good communicator and be able to work
on you own initiative.
Meet the police in Toothill
Family Support Worker PCSO Amanda Luker is holding a police surgery at Toothill Commu-
nity Centre on Wednesday 29 November, 7pm to 9pm.
We are looking for a Family Support Worker to join our team.
This vacancy is part-time for 16 hours per week. Police meet in the street
You will need an NNEB/Level 3 child-care qualification,
WPC Pat Salter will be available to meet residents in a police mobile
together with good communication skills unit on Sunday 3 December at Freshbrook Centre, 1 Oam to 12noon
and be able to work on your own initiative. and Shaw Centre, 1 pm to 3pm.
These three dates provide the opportunity to raise concerns about
West Swindon Children's Centre is committed crime and disorder in the community on a one to one basis.
to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
and is an equal opportunities employer. Scooters and motos recovered
The spate of thefts and burglaries of pedal cycles, scooters and mini-
For further details, or an application pack,
motos that has afflicted West Swindon for the last six months may
please telephone Beris Drew on 01793 871303,
have been sorted out after the arrest of individuals. Two van loads of
or e-mail: [email protected] stolen items were removed from premises in the area.
However the police continue to appeal for residents to take extra
Closing date for applications is 181)ecember 2006
precautions to guard their belongings. PC Paul Matthews said, "if you
West Swindon Children's Centre, 15 Gainsborough Way ride your scooter around the streets, there are people out there who note
where you live and will try to steal it. Please increase the security of
Freshbrook. Swindon SN5 8PD
your sheds and garages; don't leave yourself vulnerable to crime."