Page 4 - link magazine

4 swindonlink.com • May 2011
MP sees the value of volunteers West Swindon Forum next meets 14 May

Member of Parliament for Swindon South stripped off his suit and Swindon’s Core Planning Strategy, police priorities in the area, an
donned working clothes before Easter to promote volunteering in update on youth services and a report on the third phase of Shaw
Swindon. Forest are all on the agenda for the meeting of the forum on Monday
Over two days he helped wash up 14 May, 7pm, in the library at Link Centre.
dishes, serve lunch, sort out items in South Swindon MP Robert Buckland will also be attending to talk
a charity shop and joined volunteers about the tactics needed to persuade Wiltshire Council to turn down the
from Intel and Motorola helping to planning application for 800 houses at Ridgeway Farm.
decorate Swindon Scrapstore. The forum gives residents the chance to discuss community issues with
“I was keen to get involved and the eight Swindon councillors representing the area. A report of the last
do something practical like other meeting can be found at http://bit.ly/swindonconnect
volunteers,” said Robert. “The town
has a huge depth and quality in its Residents needed to walk the streets
voluntary organisations and the of the West to promote local solutions
people who make them a success.
I would encourage anybody not Street Watch, a new scheme to get people in West Swindon looking out
involved to find out more.” for each other, has been launched by the Swindon Community Safety
To find out about volunteering Partnership in response to fear of crime, anti-social behaviour and a
opportunities, contact Volunteer www.involveswindon.co.uk desire to encourage communities to become stronger within themselves.
Centre Swindon on 420557 www.swindonvolunteers.org.uk It involves pairs or small the people living there. The
groups of residents walking Safety Partnership and
Ridgeway Farm plan needs more work around their own area and Wiltshire Police are coor-
dinating a number of pilot
engaging people in conver-
to protect the environment sation, with a particular focus projects to see how they
on young people. benefit our local communi-
An application by Taylor Wimpey homes to Wiltshire Council to build The emphasis is on building rela- ties with a view to extending them
800 houses north of Peatmoor needs to pay greater attention to the tionships within the community so to more areas.
environment and wildlife according to county ecologist Jon Taylor. that views can be understood and “Street Watch can provide com-
He reports that the site has seen extensive ecological survey work over
the last 10 years, which has identified grassland habitat of botanical and common standards set through munities with a real opportunity to
visibility, education, information, develop local solutions to local is-
mycological interest, and populations of bats, reptiles, breeding birds, positive engagement, advice and sues, giving people greater control
badgers and invertebrates. Adjacent habitats, within 100m, include two reassurance. over resolutions.
County Wildlife Sites, the River Ray corridor and a railway embankment. Richard Palusinski, head of Com- To find out more about launching
The report says a secure Environmental Management Plan would be
required in any planning decision to reduce the impact on otters, bats, munity Safety at Swindon Council, Street Watch in your neighbour-
said, “Street Watch is a great way hood, call Richard on 466506 or
reptiles and birdlife currently populating the site. to get to know your local area and mail: [email protected]
The report can be read at bit.ly/gXbPeP
Week of Action for cleaner, safer community
Staff from a range of agencies will be out in force across West Swindon
from 9 to 14 May, giving safety advice, tidying up litter, removing graffiti

and stamping bicycles with postcodes.
Taking part will be Swindon Council departments including housing,
community safety, trading standards, highways, neighbourhood wardens,
children’s services, and other organisations like the police, Swindon
Commercial Services, and HM Court Service.
Look out for the Community Safety bus at Toothill and Freshbrook
Village Centres, and the West Swindon Centre.
On Friday 14 May, 10am and 1pm, there will be a bike security stamp-
ing session at the West Police Point, opposite Link Centre.
For details call Jayne Dudley on 466506.

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