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Community News

Royal visit to Uplands School to celebrate Duke’s award Tower plans withdrawn
Plans for a 14-storey tower block in
HRH Prince Edward Earl of Wessex the centre of Old Town have been
visited Uplands School on 16 March scrapped after a public outcry.
to see first-hand the difference Architects behind the proposed
the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award development for the Swindon
(DofE) makes to young people and Advertiser offices have announced
communities in the South West. they are withdrawing the plans for
Met by a crowd of flag waving the site of Newspaper House.
youngsters at the front entrance, Gary Madgwick, of Marlborough-
the prince watched students based architects Quad Group,
trampolining as part of the physical said: “We have listened to all
challenge aspect of the DofE the concerns and these plans are
scheme, before sitting in the front being withdrawn from future
row to hear the Uplands DofE band consideration and we will be re-
belt out their voice and African drawing a new submission taking
drum versions of Eye of the Tiger, into account these concerns.
We are the Champions and We will Students and parents greeting Prince Edward at Uplands School “These were only one of the
Rock you. concepts submitted for consultation
Prince Edward wasn’t moved to young people in the UK and across meet Prince Edward and the staff and utilising as much open space as
wave his hands in the air, but he the globe since it was set up by the were impressed with how at ease possible. This was never a planning
couldn’t resist a bit of toe tapping Earl’s father Prince Philip in 1956. the Earl was with our young people. application just some of the many
appreciation. As a trustee and a gold award “It was great to see our DofE ideas. We are sorry it caused so
He then unveiled a plaque holder, Prince Edward has students displaying their talents much bad feeling, this was never
recognising the work Uplands does championed the DofE for many and talking to the prince about our intention and we will endeavour
to provide inclusive opportunities years. their recent expeditions. The DofE to get a better understanding of
for young people through the award Uplands School and Uplands Award is a fantastic opportunity the needs and wants of the local
scheme. Before departing he toured Educational Trust executive for our students to learn new skills community during the next stage.”
the school’s memorial garden, principal Jackie Smith said she whilst putting into practice one of The plans for 148 flats, offices and
created to remember students who was delighted with the royal visit. our core learning values which is a community space were revealed
have passed away from life-limiting “It was a tremendous honour to independence.” in the Adver on Friday 11 March but
illnesses. welcome HRH the Earl of Wessex Jed, a member of the DofE band, were subsequently withdrawn on
The charity is celebrating its to Uplands School as part of his said: “I was really proud to sing for Monday March 14 after a petition
sixtieth anniversary, having helped DofE Diamond Anniversary Tour. the prince. We all wanted to put on against the plans gained nearly
to transform the lives of millions of The students were really pleased to a good show for him.” 2500 signatures over that weekend.

2 swindonlink.com n April 2016