Page 4 - link magazine

4 swindonlink.com • March 2012
Locality. Is it just another
bright idea soon to fade?

The February Link outlined the launch of a new locality based approach
by Swindon Council whereby each of seven areas - formerly known as
clusters grouped by political ward - now has a designated ‘Locality Lead’
officer to work to bring local councillors and community groups together
Brighten up your home for Spring more closely. Des Morgan from North Swindon, below, casts a critical
with a rainbow of colours! eye on another initiative to make the local council more relevant.

Charisma Blinds - the place for quality and value Local Government in the town is at a crossroad, it appears unsure of its
place in society and is desperately trying to reinvent itself, again. It is
the word ‘again’ which should cause residents of Swindon most concern.
Suppliers of all types of blinds, awnings and shutters
Full fitting service or cash and carry That the world is an ever chang- gagement, unless it is founded on
Factory showroom open Monday to Thursday 9.30am - 5.30pm ing set of scenarios is well un- the basis that everything suggested
Friday 9.30am - 5pm, Saturday 10am - 4pm derstood by most of us but there by them is right and therefore by
are some things which remain as default any other opinion must be
BSS House, Cheney Manor Ind. Est., Swindon. Tel: 01793 434584 constants in our lives, things which considered flawed.
give us comfort that whatever hap- We all want public services that
pens they will always be there, the are more locally sensitive where
Landlords! Are you being charged hidden/extra NHS for example. local communities are actually
Similarly local councils provided involved in setting and deliver-
costs by your current Letting Agent?
Does your current agent have your the basic structures which enable ing priorities. But let’s be honest,
us to conduct our lives in some that is not what the council wants,
interest as their priority? sort of order, from the collection of whatever it might say.
We offer: rubbish, to the provision of com- If the politicians and officers
• Competitive rates munity facilities and really believe local com-
• No hidden charges more besides. munities are key in
• Regular property inspections with reports We are now faced deciding and delivering
• High Street office with yet another at- priorities, the need for:
• Property advertising on Rightmove, tempt to define the 1. greater transparency;
Zoopla, Prime Location & many more
• 6 day week viewings and evenings relationship between 2. a capacity to listen,
• Members of NALS, NAEA, The Property ‘the council’ and the and 3. an absolute will-
Ombudsman citizen – you and me - to ingness to change, is
essential.
make the relationship
855222 more intimate. I suggest all three
www.alanhawkins.co.uk Leads are, in the words of council rations. Supporting and helping
are pie in the sky aspi-
I am sure the Locality
leader Rod Bluh, ‘well meaning.’ communities to help themselves
Only time will reveal how suc- can only go so far, and the limits
ABSOLUTELY THE BEST PRICES cessfully they interact with elected are carefully controlled to ensure
members and offer any useful that there remains a dependency
contribution beyond being a refer- on the provider.
ence point. We shall wait to see whether
It sometimes seems that the coun- the latest shuffling of deckchairs
cil has an affliction of constant self is anything other than yet another
examination based on a desire to be attempt to rebrand the same tired
better - but only on their own terms. and worn out model. What’s the
As we witness on a regular basis, bet that within the next three years
the council really does not like en- Localities will be old hat?
See the carpet or floor
covering of your choice,
where it will be enjoyed, next Swindon Publications Ltd.
to your other furnishings. 71 Basepoint, Rivermead, Swindon SN5 7EX
Tel: (01793) 608840
Home Choose Carpets - the e: [email protected]
family run business with over
30 year’s experience of serving Publisher/Editor: Roger Ogle ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES
customers in the Swindon area. Editorial: Tel: (01793) 608840 Call (01793) 602540 or mail:
Free estimates. Luxury underlay, Editorial for April by 5 March [email protected]
all accessories and installation Published: 24 March Closing date for April
included in the price! Copy for May: 2 April advertisements: 2 March
No hidden extras; no ‘Like’ For the Swindonlink newsletter,
obligation - just great service Swindon Link /swindonlink e mail: [email protected]
Appointments to suit you:
day, evening or weekend
Call Trevor Salter on “The Link was first published for the West Swindon community in December 1978.
01793 812995 It is completely independent of Link Centre and, in fact, won a competition to name the
leisure centre in 1984. Distribution in North Swindon commenced in January 1994.”
or 07860 882588 The contents of The Link are protected by copyright. Use of advertisements in printed or
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[email protected] Articles and photographs require similar authority.
www.carpetsswindon.co.uk Swindon Publications Ltd. cannot be held responsible for goods or services offered by its advertisers
Registered in England & Wales. No: 4513027. Registered Office: 130 High Street, Hungerford, Berks. Printed by pcp, Telford

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