Page 7 - link magazine

swindonlink.com • July 2009 7
Accessing West Swindon
The March 2008 Link included a major survey about how West Swindon
residents get about the area on foot and bicycle. Simon Lymn and Phil
Martlew from Swindon Borough Council's Transport Planning team have
analysed the results and are asking readers to make further comments
at the West Swindon Forum meeting on Monday 13 July.
The West Swindon Masterplan, conceived over 35 years ago before
houses were built, was designed to link areas of housing through a
comprehensive network of footpaths and cycleways segregated from
roads — to encourage people to walk or cycle, rather than drive to lo-
cal facilities.
To provide robust evi-
dence, some analysis was
undertaken looking at Cen-
sus data to give us an idea
of how West Swindon com-
pares with older residential
areas of the town.
The data shows that the
Masterplan has had little
impact on car ownership
levels. In some parts of the
West, ownership is in fact
higher than the Swindon
average as a whole. It has also had Thinking about yourjourneys to use
little impact on traffic flows, walk- local facilities, what changes could
ing or cycling levels. be made to the walking and cycling
Link reader response to the main network that would encourage you
questions in March 2008. to walk or cycle more often than
present?
Do you support the overall idea of
trying to improve the local walking Top 3 responses:
• Better cleaning of litter/graffiti
and cycling environment and facili- including general maintenance
ties in West Swindon?
• More directions signs and maps
• 98% Yes • Increased number of paths to
• 2%, No /Don't know
more destinations further away and
Based on your experiences locally where people walk on verges. DON'T pay your estate agent's rent
what are the most attractive features Respondents gender: Male 44% - pocket the difference
of the walking and cycling environ- Female 56% The big commissions you pay
ment in West Swindon? to High Street estate agents
Top 3 responses: Age groups: goes towards their office
• Separation from roads < 17 1% 46-55 19% space. Abode is web-based
• Greenery — trees and bushes, 17-30 11%, 56-65 17` %, so we pass the savings directly
green areas, nice environment 31-45 35% 66+ 17% on to you. Our fixed rate fee
• Easy to use, comprehensive net- to sell your home is only
work, convenience, ease of access There is a clear issue with mainte- £695. Compare this to other
to destinations. nance and clearance of litter/graf- agents' fees and see how
Based on your experiences locally fiti. In the last year the council has much you'll save.
what do you find least attractive combined the services that keep the
about the walking and cycling en- borough's streets and open spaces 2. SWAP that window on the High Street
vironment in West Swindon? tidy under the title of Streetsmart. To for a Window To The World
Top 3 responses: report a problem call 445501 or mail: Who looks for houses on the High Street these
• Rubbish, litter, general main- streetsmart@[email protected]. days? We'll make every penny count with
tenance (such as clearing broken Streetsmart also offers a free prominent listings on the top property websites.
glass) graffiti removal service. More in-
• Graffiti and vandalism formation on this can be found by 3. TAP into our 25 years' experience
• Lack of sign posting;difficultyof contacting the number and email Free, realistic appraisals and effective marketing
route finding above or by logging on to www. are just the start. We'll nurture your sale or
swindon.gov.uk/ streetsma rt. rental contract through to completion and help
Other problems highlighted by you with competitive rates on conveyancing and
residents were understanding the Home Information Packs.
path network and the legibility
of signs. A lack of signage to key 4. MOVE with the times - move with Abode -
destinations makes it difficult for your experienced independent local Estate Agents
way-finding which discourages
people from using the paths.
The next stage is to look at Call 01793 722 151
improvements and we will be at- for an obligation-free assessment
tending the West Swindon Forum
to discuss options for change. We [email protected]
would like to thank all the residents www.abodeswindon.co.uk
who responded to our survey and
would invite you to come along
on Monday 13 July to put forward r It rightmove._. j OFT
Streetsmart read y for graffiti further points of view.