The Centre of Controversy (From Swindon Advertiser)

The Centre of Controversy

8:27pm Sunday 27th April 2008 in

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THE regeneration of the town centre has divided the candidates like no other topic.

With recent Adver reports on the canal project prompting a huge reaction, it is clear that everyone has strong views on the future of Swindon's town centre.

Lib Dem leader Stan Pajak (Eastcott) said: "The Liberal Democrats believe we have a once in a lifetime opportunity with the regeneration of Swindon centre, but that we must preserve and develop local services and facilities as well.

"We will oppose the canal project, using the developer's funds for projects that will benefit the wider population better.

"We will promote the development of the Mechanics' Institute as part of the new museum and art gallery complex and the restoration of Milton Road baths.

"We will create a cultural quarter in the redeveloped town centre and will fight to keep local post offices and libraries open for the benefit of their communities."

Swindon Council leader Rod Bluh (Con, Dorcan) said: "The Conservatives are building a better Swindon.

"Major areas of the town are being transformed following years of Labour inaction.

"We will continue with these ambitious projects, including: major improvements to the town centre, the transformation of the Regent Circus/Swindon College area and the restoration and regeneration of our historic buildings.

"There is a lot of misinformation regarding the proposed canal.

"The truth is, it is still only an idea for discussion, and will only happen if private funding is available and it is guaranteed not to burden taxpayers.

"Remember, only the Conservatives have the vision to build a better Swindon."

Deputy Labour leader, Fay Howard (Parks) said that her party would ensure the canal plan is dead in the water.

She said: "Labour will cancel the canal through central Swindon, saving £60m and Swindon from traffic chaos.

"The Tories failed in their promise of providing 300 affordable homes per year. Our priority is 40 per cent affordable homes to buy or rent in all new developments.

"We will maintain and speed up the redevelopment of town centre, ensuring that the benefits are shared by all, especially existing residents.

"We will establish urban regeneration programmes in deprived areas, raising skill levels and tackling health inequalities with strategic partnerships.

"We will invest significantly in drainage to aid those most vulnerable to flooding.

"We will also invest in better highway maintenance and tackle the pothole blight."

Swindon UKIP chairman and St Margaret ward candidate, Robert Feal-Martinez, said: "Much has been written about the delays in regeneration and the apparent secrecy with which this is being handled.

"UKIP believe in local democracy. It is therefore vital that the public have their say in any development, even deciding what they want included not necessarily what councillors and developers want. We would give them that choice.

"The canal project was massively rejected by the people of Swindon in the Advertiser poll. It would therefore be right and proper for a local referendum on this issue.

"As a group, Swindon UKIP are split on whether there should be a canal. We would, however, honour the wishes of local people in such a referendum."

Michael Morton, independent candidate for Western ward, said: "The aim should be to get the traffic moving in the town, filling in pot holes and by the building of the Cheney Manor Road relief road.

"The canal could be built around the town if viable with section 106 monies, but not through the town, especially when you tie it in with their proposed extension north link to Moulden Hill via the Bruce Street bridges area.

"I would not build on greenfield sites such as the rear of Ferndale Road, or school playing fields.

"The town centre build should allow sufficient space for small business at affordable rents rather than create a high street of large multi-town retailers."

David Cox, independent candidate for Central ward, did not supply any information on his policies regarding regeneration.