Page 6 - link magazine

6 The virtual Link Magazine now online @ www.swindonlink.com

West set for 100k of cut backs
Swindon Council has carried out a root and branch review of tree planting across West Swindon and is going to start a major programme
of landscape management costing £100,000.
People who attended the West
Swindon Forum with local coun-
cillors on 12 March heard that the
cutting back will come out of a
‘spend to save’ budget where
money spent now will reduce
maintenance costs in the future.
Coun Keith Williams said dense
planting over 20 years had not been
adequately maintained. “Small
saplings have turned into large
trees, some of which are now caus-
ing damage to fences and housing,
resulting in insurance claims There is no truth in the rumour that Swindon Council plan to cut back trees on Great Western Way to reveal
against the council. We plan to nip this major historic feature planted in 1980. But The Link will be mounting a rediscovery expedition on 1 April
the problem in the bud.”
Gail Reeve from Nine Elms widen Roughmoor Way or put has to be spread across a wide ture projects such the Adventure
asked the council to make sure down yellow lines around the range of causes. Service Challenge and a ‘Munchies
accumulated litter and flytipped school. But they are looking at cre- There was also concern about & Movies’ night at the newly
rubbish hidden in the under- ating bays on Cartwright Drive to the repeated vandalism of Toothill opened Sparcells Youth Centre
growth is cleared away when the allow buses to pass when cars are Farm, the spread of graffiti across (details on page 38).
work takes place. parked on the school side of the West Swindon and the apparent He said, “I’m looking for ways
Coun Mary Martin said there road. inability of the police to catch the to engage and energise young peo-
had been many suggestions of ar- Mavis Read of Toothill Junior perpertrators. ple - to work together and also
eas to be cleared when this item Youth Club expressed concern that Main speaker youth worker Huw contribut to their community.”
was publicised in the March Link. money from the council’s grants Solly said he had made just under He added that a large youth
“We’re not able to address every community department did not in- 1,000 contacts with young people event is being planned for 7 July at
area, but we are trying hard to fit clude inflation, but her club had in West Swindon since he arrived Link Centre, with inter area sports
as much work into the manage- just been hit by a 62 per cent rent in January. competitions, music/bands and in-
ment programme as possible.” increase for the use of Toothill Farm He is now involved with Duke formation.
Road congestion caused by par- by the youth department. of Edinburgh groups at Bradon To contact Huw call 514529 or
ents parking outside Brook Field However coun Peter Greenhalgh Forest and Greendown schools and 07766 368398 or mail:
Primary School was raised. Coun- said the council gives out £6 mil- has set up a development group [email protected]
cillors said there are no plans to lion in discretionary grants which with young people to focus on fu- • Litter scourge - see page 41.

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1 April 07 6 16/3/07, 10:43 am