Page 10 - link magazine

Pressure to get Thamesdown Drive to Barnfield link road built
North and West Swindon residents and commuters will agree that the direct link between Thamesdown Drive and Great Western Way is long overdue
as a means to reduce traffic pressure on the west side of the town.
Now, with 1,700 more houses at Moffat said the £100 million cost delay to the road, stating that the origi- Heenan said: “Swindon Borough
Tadpole Farm and 700 at Ridgeway of building the 1.3 mile road was nal legal requirements for expansion Council has provided background
Farm to be built, people want to know significantly more than much longer in North Swindon recognised the information to Robert Buckland MP
what Swindon Borough Council is roads in other parts of Britain. need to improve road infrastructure on the Thamesdown Drive extension,
doing to improve road infrastructure In response to the Local Plan 2026 to take traffic away from the area with- and he has agreed to start discussions
in the area. pre-submission document published out adding to existing congestion. with the Treasury about funding for
High on the list of concerns is the in December, Shaw Residents’ As-
council’s apparent lack of strategy sociation commented on the absence
to come up with a clear costing and of a clear statement about what the
the lack of a plan to argue the case council is doing about seeking fund-
for capital investment with central ing from central government.
government. In the December 2012 Haydon Wick Parish Council has
Link Cheney Manor councillor Des expressed regret about the continued

Do You Want to?
• Gain a deeper understanding of yourself
and become more confident in coping with Members of Haydon Wick Parish Council with Swindon councillor Des Moffat
holding up a plan from the mid-1990s showing the route of Thamesdown Drive,
everyday situations including the yet to be built extension. Picture: Richard Wintle www.calyxpix.com
• Make sense of relationships and situations In a response to the parish council the road. In addition, the council is
• Manage feelings of stress, depression, anxiety, Secretary of State for Transport the undertaking a detailed report into the
anger or confusion Rt Hon Patrick McLoughlin wrote: options for the road to ensure there
“The cost of building the proposed is robust evidence of the need and
Elaine Watt Focused Counselling link road would likely be over £5m its cost. This information will also
BACP accredited counsellor and would therefore be classed as a be provided to help support the case
Tel: 07919 343407 local major transport scheme. for funding.
to make an appointment for a no fee consultation “The Department of Transport has “This is a road every councillor and
www.focusedcounselling.com already committed to a programme every resident would like to see built."
for delivering local major transport Robert Buckland added: “The
schemes over the period of the spend- Thamesdown Drive extension is a
ing review. Therefore the case of a new major project that will take time to
link road could not be considered for develop; I think that a direct ap-
funding before 2015. Beyond 2015 proach to the Treasury is the best
it is the Government’s intention to way forward, bearing in mind the fact
devolve both funding and decision that a further Spending Review will
making for local major transport be taking place.
schemes to local transport bodies. The “I am working with Swindon Bor-
6 Star Service from responsibility for any upgrading falls ough Council to ensure that properly
Trevor Salter to the relevant transport authority, in costed proposals can be developed as
this case Swindon Borough Council.” soon as possible, in order for the case
✰ View and select in your own Explaining how the council is work- to be made as strongly as we can. The
home - day or evening ing with South SwindonMP Robert Swindon and Wiltshire Local Trans-
✰ Free no obligation Buckland to lobby central govern- port Body is in the process of being set
measuring and quoting ment for the investment, cabinet up, so now is a very good time indeed
✰ Luxury underlay, all member for strategic planning Dale to set out clear priorities.”
accessories and installation
included in the price! Swindon business wants volunteer opportunities
✰ Competitive prices: The surveying department of Swindon business Clarity Water Hygiene Spe-
Our customers tell us so See the carpet or floor covering of cialist have launched Feelgood Friday where they spend a few hours of their
✰ Old carpets lifted and your choice, where it will be enjoyed, working week helping individuals or community groups on a voluntary basis.
removed next to your other furnishings, Clarity staff members Brian
✰ Furniture moved and receive the benefit of 35 years Caswell and Zach Ockwell, right,
as required of experience in Swindon are offering their time without
any charge.
No hidden extras; no obligation - just great service Brian said: “It’s a kind of free
Challenge me to beat your existing quotes. bob-a-job service for individuals
You will be pleasantly surprised
who need a bit of help because
Call Trevor: of age or illness, or a group which
01793 812995 or 07860 882588 requires a small job done. We’re
or email: [email protected] open to challenges.”
www.carpetsswindon.co.uk If you could do with some
help, call Brian on 01793 602562.
10 swindonlink.com • June 2013

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