Page 6 - link magazine

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swindonlink.com • February 2009
Tooth ill's hated humps to be removed plus relief for Rowton Heath Way
A series of neck crunching speed humps on Freshbrook Way could be removed this summer, while residents living next to parallel Rowton
Heath Way could be made safer - if councillors vote the budget for works to take place.
Ever since the humps were in- bend, close to Grosmont Drive
stalled in 2003, following a serious is to be upgraded by installing a
accident involving a child going raised platform to slow traffic and
to Oliver Tomkins Primary School, provide a safe pedestrian crossing.
there have been complaints about Signs reinforcing the 20mph zone
their unreasonable height. And around the primary school will also
people living on streets off Rowton be installed.
Heath Way and also staff at Oliver Coun Peter Greenhalgh, cabinet
Tomkins have expressed anger member for transportation, said the
about the significant increase in traf- objective is to rebalance the volume
fic as a result of drivers switching of traffic between the two roads
routes to avoid the humps. whilst managing driver speed.
After nearly six years a solution Rowton Heath Way resident
could be at hand. Proposals were Monica Thompson, who once
discussed at the West Swindon witnessed a car embedded in her Danger point on the he iid at flee hip on Roicton Heat!; Wnj
Forum to replace the humps with garden wall, said the plans were
'gateway' features at both ends of a significant improvement. "You
Freshbrook Way and to install two might not believe it, but for 25 years Check again if you think you can't
raised platforms at the junction of I have been writing to the council get broadband in Taw Hill
Corfe Road and Westminster Road. and the police about speeding on the
The existing puffin controlled cross- road, especially late at night. Graham Ball has been waiting for broadband since moving to law Hill
ing will be retained, and new 20mph "The traffic volume shot up after eighteen months ago, but BT has consistently denied that the area has
a high speed connection.
road markings and features like bus the humps went in on Freshbrook
stops will be painted on the road. Way and I've been badgering for He contacted The Link, remem- his address had not been migrated
Residents near Rowton Heath action ever since. bering our January 2008 article to the Haydon exchange.
The Link put him in touch with
Way have brought their complaints "The raised road surface should stating the new Haydon exchange
of increased traffic to the West reduce speed and I hope the new would give high speed internet Openreach, the company respon-
Forum for many years. Swindon arrangements will reduce traffic on connection to all homes in North sible for the lines. "They confirmed
Council highway engineers have Rowton Heath Way." Swindon. Delays and poor informa- that my postcode had migrated
tried various measures like tem- Swindon Council has yet to allo- tion about the engineering works and they said that I could have an
porary chicanes, signage and road cate the money for the work. If the led to a flood of complaints from incompatible project on my line,"
said Graham. "I don't know what
markings with modest results. project is agreed after the 2009-2010 frustrated customers,
Now the painted road surface at budget is set, work could be done in Although a schedule of work on that meant but when I went back to
the bottom of the hill, on the blind the school summer holiday. the BT Openreach website showed the broadband checker, it showed
that Graham's address was con- that I could get broadband."
It appears that BT Broadband,
nected to the new exchange last
February, staff at BT Broadband told was relying on the same online
HEAD T him he was still connected to the checker so it is possible that other
Blunsdon exchange, making high households have been receiving out
speed access impossible. He has of date information. To check if your
regularly used an online checker, address has been switched to the
using his painfully slow dial-up new exchange, search for Haydon
HAIR & BEAUTY connection, and it also showed that at www.openreach.com
• Cutting
First Winter Walk of Thoughts
• Colouring -
tints - foils Banish the winter blues and cast aside the chilly weather of Janu-
ary; Prospect Hospice is inviting supporters to register for its very
• Perms
first sponsored Winter Walk of Thoughts, which will take place in the
• Extensions grounds of the Liddington Hotel on Sunday 8 February, 10am.
• Bridal hair The walk is an opportunity to Sheryl Crouch, Prospect's fund-
• Prom hair ups remember a friend, a loved one or raising manager. "Clearly many
family member, or just the chance people will want to walk in memory
• Children's
to enjoy a walk through the beau- of a loved one, but if you just want
haircuts
tiful scenery close to Swindon in tojoin us and raisesome moneyfor
convivial company. People can the hospice, thenwewould bevery
take part individually or in families, glad for you to come along."
The Liddington Hotel is offer-
and are welcome to bring dogs
on leads.
ing a special Sunday lunch after
"TheWinterWalk of Thoughts is the event for walkers seeking a
an event for the whole family, and hot meal.
Fordetailscall8l5l42orregis-
we're sure that people will want
Julie, Sheralee and Gemma
to join us at the Liddington," said ter at: www.prospect-hospice.net
Tel: 602552 Choir to entertain at Fabio's night for Prospect
73 Basepoint, Rivermead, Fabio's Restaurant in Old Town is hosting a fundraising night in
aid of Prospect Hospice on Tuesday 3 February.
Westlea, West Swindon Profits from a three-course meal at E21.95 per head will be donated
Behind Renault building/Allen Ford to the charity. Diners will have an additional attraction on the evening
ree parking • Late night Wednesday & Thursday when Swindon's much-loved Kentwood Showcase Choir will provide
the entertainment.
Cash or cheque payments only
To book a table between 630pm and 830pm call Fabio's on 615306.