Page 4 - link magazine

4 The virtual Link Magazine now online @ www.swindonlink.com
Swindon Council could blunder
into a blinkered decision
There are occasions when proposals are just so wrong that they
I
need blunt comment and what councillors decide now will have
. profound affect on the quality of life in the town.
April 2007 is the tenth anniversary —
of Swindon Council becoming a uni-
tary authority. It s been a bumpy dec-
ade with Government assessors _ f
ranking Swindon as one of Britain's
poorest managed authorities.
Over the last three years the ^, =^
present Conservative administration.
with much prodding from central Gov-
ernment. has been making headway
to get the governance of the town
right, to attract economic investment
and to provide better educational.
health and community facilities. ^" 1r y
Over the next 20 years Swindon is
expected to grow by a further 35,00 0
homes and the population will rise to
250.000. No doubt Swindon Council cause children gain experiences una-
will start thinking it s ti me to bid for vailable elsewhere.
city status again. Adults are able to achieve a few
Yet, if this council were to destroy moments respite from a world domi-
what has been established at Lower nated by consumerism, media domi-
Shaw Farm since 1980. what does it nation and strife.
say about Swindon's aspirations? Swindon councillors could soon
A town is built on solid and physi- destroy something unique and bring
cal structures and also achievements. national attention of the wrong kind
Just as important are the key tea- to the town.
tures that make a town different, unu-
sual. attractive and appealing, those Long live
intangible and by nature ill defined
things that give a place a wow factor. Lower Shaw Farm
Lower Shaw Farm is one of the An open afternoon for users,
A home you'll feel few places in Swindon which falls interested in the past, present and
supporters, friends, and anyone
into this category. It's a place where
people rediscover key basic values: future of Lower Shaw Farm.
the joys of being and doing things Come and look, listen, and talk.
proud to own together. in a setting that is truly This will be a timely reminder of what
goes on at the 'farm' in the middle of
people friendly, nature friendly and
community friendly. Swindon. an opportunity to celebrate
Swindon Council is keen on re- its existence, and discuss its future.
Not all retirement apartments are the same. At Priory building the town centre with fine There may be fireworks!
architecture and attractions to draw
Manor you'll find spacious apartments, an owners
people to it. But this bright shiny
lounge for socialising, a guest suite, a Duty Manager future is so superficial if Lower Shaw
Farm is swept away because it does p
and access to assistance 24 hours a day. Why delay Details from 771080
not measure up on an arguable value
moving when all this is available right now? for money scale. mail: [email protected]
www.lowershawfarm.co.uk
Families and schools go there be-
Visit our show apartment today. You'll notice the
difference the moment you step inside.
Available right now: the Link Magazine

Swindon Publications Ltd. ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES
says 71 Basepoint. Rivermead Call Nicola Norridge on
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Publisher/Editor: Roger Ogle
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Editorial: Tel: (01793) 608840
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