Page 6 - link magazine

6 swindonlink.com • June 2009
Kevin's plans near application stage Children with disabilities may have to
Members of the public who want to view Kevin McCloud's latest plans sit and watch for another summer
for sustainable housing in Swindon can catch him and his team at a
public consultation event on Tuesday 2 June, 10am to 2pm, at Western For the third summer running, a children's play area at Lydiard Park
Community Centre, Somerset Road, Rodbourne. will be inaccessible to most disabled youngsters.
The proposal for a sustainable Rachael Reid from The Prinnels,
development on the site of the for- who has worked with children with
mer caravan park and plant nursery disabilities and their families for
just off Northern Road includes ten years, first contacted Swindon
around 40 houses designed by Council in 2007 with her concerns
leading architects Glenn Howells that the play area was not inclusive.
Architects. She said, "I walk my dogs past the
It seeks to encourage a strong play area and was disappointed that
sense of community, prioritise children with disabilities hadn't
green space and offer well-designed been thought about. I thought I'd
housing which is enjoyable to live ask the council if they realised be-
in and efficient to run. cause often it's unintentional. Ini-
The event on 2 June follows tially, there was a positive reaction
a public consultation on 6 April to my suggestion for improvement,
where McCloud's company, Hab then things started to drag."
Oakus, presented its proposals to Kez'in McCloud explaining his project Two sensory panels were in-
residents for the first time. to residents on 6 April stalled in 2008 but Rachael was Rachnel Reid, pictured in the August2008
Kevin said, "we've been bowled over by the support of residents. surprised that they were sited Link, with equipment installed on bark
It's clear there's a real hunger for on an area covered in bark chip-
a fresh approach to housing, and pings which is a barrier to access abled child needs a place where all
60+ benefits' advice a very real interest in living more for wheelchair users, those with the children can play together."
Following the recent closure of sustainable lives. Needless to say, limited mobility and some autistic Rachael's frustration is coming
Age Concern Swindon, Swindon there are concerns as well and we youngsters. to a boil and if there is enough
Council and the PCT are funding are working hard to address these While welcoming news that the support, she is prepared to head up
CAB to ensure older people still as we develop the scheme." council is in talks with Hop Skip a campaign to persuade Swindon
receive advice about their rights Despite the current economic & Jump about building a respite Council to install equipment that
and entitlements. situation Kevin confirmed that he unit at Lydiard, Rachael said that can be used by children with a
Drop into Wat Tyler House on is determined to press on with his families also need facilities that they range of abilities, such as an inclu-
Thursdays 10amto 12noon.Orcall plans and is aiming to submit the can use spontaneously. "Hop Skip sive roundabout which would cost
533135 ext 4, leave your name and project for planning permission in &Jumpisa fantastic idea and much around £10,000.
telephone number and an adviser June with a view to starting on site needed, but it doesn't help with For details mail her at: rcjreid@
will call back. by the end of the year. inclusiveness. A family with a dis- rachaelreid.com or call 886841