Page 9 - link magazine

swindonlink.com • July 2010 9

The election now seems a long time ago, but Swindon's two new MPs are still finding their way around

Quality of life in North Swindon. Justin Tomlinson MP tells Commons that green spaces should be enhanced
It really did take several days to sink in. After years of hard work, three months of non-stop campaigning, and a count that went on until past
4am, you'd think it would have been easier to come to terms with.
But finally being elected as North right direction. ence (for me anyway). I spoke about
Swindon's new MP in the early And so to the fa- quality of life, and how developers
hours of 7 May really was a lot to mous green benches and planners need to be more mind-
take in. The problem was, there of the House of Com- ful of providing green open spaces,
was no time to think about it. First mons. The first thing play areas and leisure facilities when
thing on the Monday morning, it to say is, there aren't they build new estates.
was up to London for an intensive enough of them. How- That's so important in our part of
induction course at the House of ever that can work to Swindon, and was a good example
Commons. The parallel of the new your advantage. On of the work I want to do at West-
boy at school is an obvious one but ' ., „ , + the day of TheQueeri s minster—being a tireless champion
pretty accurate. Speech, I had to hover for fellow local residents.
I actually hadn't been to West- by the door of the • Speech on www.parliamentlive.tv
minster more than a couple of times. Commons because it
I've been too focused on being a was standing room Meet a councillor in
Swindon councillor for the past only. But that meant
ten years and working as hard as I was in pole position Freshbrook & Grange Park
possible in the community, socom- in the procession to Swindon councillors Michael Dick-
ing to London was not a priority. and from the House inson, Peter Greenhalgh and Mick
As a result, when I first arrived at of Lords. As soon as Bray are available to meet residents
the Palace of Westminster, it was a all the government on the first Saturday in the month,
very steep learning curve indeed, and opposition VIPs 10am to 12noon at Freshbrook
Everyone was very polite and had filed by, two by Community Centre.
helpful. Even whenIstumbledinto two, I was able to No pre-booking is necessary;
the catering store while trying to A place for the future. In 1997 The Sun put a bet on slot in immediately people will be seen on a first come
find a meeting room, the bemused Justin being PM within 40 years when he was at behind them and get first served' basis.
member of staffcouldri thavebeen university aged 21. If he succeeds he will donate his a prime vantage point If you cannot visit the centre
more pleasant in pointing me in the share of the winnings to charity, for all the pomp and or need help in between surger-
ceremony. les mail: mdlcklnson@swlndon.
Once the novelty had worn off, it gov.uk or call 538288 or leave a
Blunsdon parish looks for more reps.
was down toworkpretty quickly. My message via: www.facebook.com/
If you live in St Andrew's Ridge, Redhouse, part of Oakhurst or part of maiden speech was a great experi- mjadickinson
Abbey Meads, then you are also a resident of Blunsdon Parish.
What's more there are five council vacancies in the wards west of
the A419. Residents are welcome at council meetings held on the first
Monday of each month in Blunsdon village hall and on the third Monday
in Abbey Meads Community Primary School, starting at 7.30pm.
For details call the clerk to the council Rachel Smith on 705617 or mail:
[email protected] :
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