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Community News

Community library bids go under the spotlight News in brief

Bids by community groups to take Service Mutual.
on the running of local libraries in A PSM would be a new New home for band
Swindon are being considered ahead organisation that shares ownership The Cricklade Band is
of a cabinet meeting at the end of of the service between the council,
the month. communities and staff. The final celebrating after moving into
new premises, with a ‘house
A total of 12 expressions have model which will be assessed warming’ concert on Sunday
been received by Swindon Borough includes establishing a joint venture April 2 at the Town Hall.
Council to support local libraries, with an existing library service Since the start of the year,
after the local authority decided provider.
to cut funding to all but five core The options appraisal would the band, formerly based at
the Cricklade United Church
libraries in the borough - Central, also look at whether the delivery Hall, have been looking for
North Swindon, West Swindon, model would take the form of a new premises. And thanks to
Highworth and Park. Limited Company, Community the support of the Town Hall
The department for culture, media Interest Company, Co-operative
and sport will be consulted ahead or Community Benefit Society Committee, the 130 year old
band have now secured a place
of the cabinet meeting on April 26 Coun Mary Martin and whether it should be a social at the Town Hall.
and it will meet key stakeholders service mutual enterprises, to look enterprise or charity. The Band Academy rehearsal
including local councillors, at various delivery models for the Cllr Mary Martin, Swindon base will continue to be at
library users and staff to map out town’s library service. Borough Council’s Cabinet Member
recommendations for the way Suggested approaches include for Communities, said: “I am Cricklade United Church Hall.
Tickets for the event, which
ahead. non-staffed libraries - where users delighted there is such strong is taking place at 7.30pm, are
Local groups or individuals are responsible for checking out and interest from a number of groups. available from the Cricklade
had until 31 January to submit returning books and making use We will be working with the groups Council Office in the High Street.
expressions of interest in the of volunteers from local schools to who have come forward to talk
non-core libraries and the council’s support local library provision. through their plans and ensure their Festival date set
officers are now supporting 12 Other delivery models include proposals are robust enough to
groups to develop their plans and keeping the library service in-house provide a sustainable service. At the Preparations are being made for
business cases. so it continues to be run by the same time, we will be working hard a community festival to be held
The council has been working with council, setting up a Local Authority to find the best model for delivering at Emmanuel United Reformed
Mutual Ventures, an independent Trading Company owned by the our core service through the options Church in Haydon Wick.
organisation which specialises in council with services delivered via appraisal so those five libraries have The event, on July 8, will feature
developing charitable and public a contract, or creating a Public an equally sustainable future.” a procession led by Wroughton
Silver Band, drum majorettes,
police cadets, and a children’s
One month to go until new parish elections fancy dress competition. There
will also be Morris dancers and a
variety of stalls on the day.
Swindon heads to the polls on 4 of this new layer of governance. costs associated with the split and For further details contact the
May as the first of the new parish The Blunsdon St Andrew Parish is the new parish have driven up the Rev Gerald England at minister@
council elections take place. to be split under the new system, precept beyond this. emmanuelhaydonwick.org.uk
Information about what is and parish chairman Ian Jankinson “In the ensuing parish council
required to become a parish has told Swindon Link of his dismay elections in May, those 7 or 8 Cats in the spotlight
councillor is available on the ‘How over the changes. parish councillors who live in Cats of all shapes and sizes will
to become a councillor’ webpage. Ian said: “This month Blunsdon Redhouse and St Andrew’s Ridge be in the spotlight at a show at
All nominations must be received St Andrew Parish Council will and have worked hard to support Cricklade Town Hall on 13 May.
by 4pm on Tuesday 4 April. be forced to give up its role of both Blunsdon and St Andrew Doors open from 12.30 to 4pm.
In each of the new parishes, a supporting the community of over the years, will now stand for The event is open to pedigree
shadow parish council has been St Andrew. After an 18 month election in the new Parish of St and non-pedigree cats and
formed to decide on services struggle against an unnecessary Andrew. They feel that they still will also feature an auction,
that will be transferred from the Governance Review, St Andrew have work to do in supporting stalls and food. Entry: adults
council. This is made up largely of will split from Blunsdon after the community in which they live £2, concessions £1. Enquiries to
Swindon Borough Council ward 125 years of cohesive community and have had years experience of (01666) 860646 / 07801 802832.
councillors from each area. development. Despite our working with residents to resolve Highworth art show
The decision to parish previously resistance to some personal local issues.”
unparished areas of the Borough acrimony and misinformation The statutory minimum number A free exhibition featuring
followed a year-long Community we have worked closely with the of parish councillors for each area work by artists Ann March
Governance Review process which recently appointed shadow Parish is five - there is no maximum and Richard Harpin will be
involved extensive engagement and to help enable a smooth transition number. The number of parish held at The Community Room,
formal consultation with residents for the community. councillors in existing parishes in Council Offices, 3 Gilbert’s Lane,
and parish councils. “Our residents will by now be Swindon range from 5 to 23. Highworth on May 26 to 29.
However, the new parish system aware of the parish precepts for Anyone wishing to vote but Opening times are from 10am
has not been introduced without both new parishes of £55 for St unable to get to a polling station to 4.30 pm.
objection. A very vocal element Andrew and £89 for Blunsdon (for on 4 May can request a postal vote. Canal AGM date
in the public gallery during the equivalent Band D properties). To apply, call 01793 464601 or
council meeting that saw the plans “The irony is that had we email: [email protected] The Wilts and Berks Canal
voted through to set up the new remained as one parish our precept Residents who still remain unsure Trust is holding its AGM at the
parishes, as well as calls from the would have been less than either which parished area they live in StoweAway, Wichelstowe on 6
Labour group calling the whole of these. The Parish of Blunsdon St can use an online postcode checker June. All are welcome.
process a “debacle” have been key Andrew had budgeted for a precept by heading to: Contact chrisbarry1945@gmail.
flash points in the implementation of £47 for both areas and the extra www.swindon.gov.uk/parishes com
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