Page 34 - link magazine

34 swindonlink.com • July 2012
Janet’s Locality lessons from West Swindon
Puppy Council hands over decision making on local spending from 1 June
Skool At a time when different parts of Swindon are getting to grips with the new concept of meeting together
in localities - seven in all - casting a glance out west could yield some useful answers. Juliet Platt met up
Have fun teaching your dog with the new chairman of West Swindon Forum councillor Nick Martin, and locality facilitators Paula
good manners and behaviour Harrison and Gail Light, to find out how they’re doing it.
at one of our friendly classes
3 Playskool for puppies Explaining the history of the other month, whereas £25,000 towards high-
3 Adult beginners/improvers West Swindon Forum, Cllr Martin, elsewhere public meet- way improvement
3 Senior Skool/advanced classes right, said: “The forum pre-dates ings often have more and a further £160,000
3 One to one advice & training the introduction of localities earlier officers than members will be made available
3 Fun agility workshops this year by about ten years. In an of the community. between the seven lo-
www.janetspuppyskool.co.uk area of the borough that has never Nick puts this suc- calities for community
APDT Member (01066) had a tradition of parish councils to cess down to the fact grant-funding.
Janet Garrett DipCAPBT Dip.dog.psy discuss local priorities, it has proved that the agenda is struc- However Cllr Mar-
Tel: 01793 727158 to be very useful and popular.” tured like a public tin is dissatisfied with
[email protected] On average the forum has 40 surgery. He said: “We the limitations of the
attendees at meetings held every open each meeting with Locality Fund. He
residents’ concerns and dedicate as said: “Frankly £25,000 for highways
much time as necessary in listening is like throwing a ball to a dog. It’s
to and addressing them. People are a distraction rather than a serious
involved from the outset by talking proposition. We want to discuss
about what other meetings list as our budgets on the basis of how
Professional, established ‘any other business.’” they are calculated, how much is
dog groomer offering the Paula explained that simple being spent and how we can do it
full works for your dogs communication is one of the main more effectively.
Friendly quiet salon ingredients for success. “We’re “I would prefer core budget hold-
with personal DEFRA approved natural raw and trying to work collectively to lift ers to come out to the localities and
attention at all times pre-cooked diets for dogs and cats. the lid off how the council works report their spend in each area.”
Easy free parking Naturalinstinct; Prize Choice, Nature’s to provide services. People don’t
West side of Menu Complete Nuggets; Naturediet. like to be told about ‘council policy’ Spending discussion at
Swindon, Natural rawhide chews from Farmfoods, next West forum
off Westcott Place ID tags and accessories with no explanation about what
Phone Denise on (leads, collars, bedding etc.) that means. When they understand The next West Swindon Forum
how they can get involved they feel takes place on 9 July, 7pm, Link
from premium suppliers like Ancol
07866 507633 We do not stock any bag foods of any kind Centre Library. Tea/coffee from
or 01793 327379 www.naturaldogsncats.co.uk empowered.”
The recent Shaw Ridge litter pick 6.30pm.
Collection service available Contact: [email protected] On the agenda are the priorities
www.hairofthedoggroomers.co.uk Tel: 07769 782584 was a good example of how the
community can take responsibility for the £25,000 highways improve-
for their problems. Paula added: “It ment allocation, and small grant
feels good to be doing something decisions.
together to make a difference, and All are welcome, and each at-
the more we get out into the com- tendee will be entered into a draw
munity the more people perceive for a small prize.
us as enablers.” New recycling bin lids will also
The council introduced a Local- be available at the meeting, so
ity Fund on 1 June to support local bring along your old broken one
priority setting. In its 12 month pilot and exchange it.
phase, each area will be allocated
Meet a facilitator
Health checks Paula Harrison and Gail Light are available to meet residents and discuss
West Swindon community issues on:
• Tuesdays, 10.30am to12.30pm, Toothill Community Centre;
in the park • Tuesdays, 5.30pm to 7pm, Village Inn, Shaw Centre;
• Thursdays, 12noon to 1.30pm, De Vere Starbucks, Shaw Ridge;
• Fridays, 10am to 12noon, West Swindon Library, Link Centre.
Join us at Lydiard Park To contact them at other times, call Gail on 01793 466223 or Paula on
on Saturday 28th July with your dog 01793 466418 or mail: [email protected]
for a free health check in the park In North Swindon, locality facilitators Kathryn Langdown and Kati Wood
between 10.30am and 2pm. hold coffeee morning on:
• Mondays, 11am to 1pm, North Swindon Library
Visit our website or call for details • Wednesdays, 10am to 12noon, Haydon Centre, Thames Avenue.
Contact them: [email protected] or call 01793 466236.
Tel: 01793 526780
Run for Swindon Guide Dogs in October
Open:
62-64 Purton Road Monday to Friday Runners willing to raise money for Guide Dogs at Nationwide Swin-
Swindon SN2 2LZ 9am-6.30pm don Half Marathon on Sunday 14 October are asked to contact Alan
(end of Akers Way) Saturday Fletcher on 01793 827589 or mail: [email protected]
9am-12noon He would welcome support in any of the three events on the day: the
Half Marathon, The 5k Multi-Terrain or the two mile Family Fun Run.
www.thameswoodvets.co.uk www.swindonhalfmarathon.co.uk

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