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with 'SWINDON NEWS'
8:27pm Sunday 27th April 2008
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.
WTF?, Swindon says...
8:53pm Sun 27 Apr 08
Robert Feal-Martinez, Swindon says...
9:22pm Sun 27 Apr 08
Jason, says...
10:48pm Sun 27 Apr 08
Swindon Council leader Rod Bluh (Con, Dorcan) said: "The Conservatives are building a better Swindon.
"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 .
Mrs Hullabaloo, Kent Road, Old Town says...
10:56pm Sun 27 Apr 08
Andy poulton, Swindon says...
11:12pm Sun 27 Apr 08
Captain T, Swindon says...
11:13pm Sun 27 Apr 08
jo-ent, Swindon says...
12:08am Mon 28 Apr 08
Polymath, Swindon says...
4:06am Mon 28 Apr 08
H, Up the Hill says...
8:12am Mon 28 Apr 08
Robert Feal-Martinez, Swindon says...
8:40am Mon 28 Apr 08
Terence, Swindon says...
8:41am Mon 28 Apr 08
Robert Feal-Martinez, Swindon says...
9:11am Mon 28 Apr 08
DarkAuror, Swindon says...
9:56am Mon 28 Apr 08
Frontier(s), says...
10:01am Mon 28 Apr 08
angry monkey, Swindon says...
10:28am Mon 28 Apr 08
Terence, Swindon says...
10:48am Mon 28 Apr 08
LordBelacqua, Swindon says...
10:52am Mon 28 Apr 08
One more thing, I think you are incorrect about the name of the flag. My understanding is that 'Union Jack' is synonymous with 'Union Flag'.
emmylou83, Stratton says...
10:54am Mon 28 Apr 08
angry monkey wrote:Hahaha angry monkey you do make me laugh, although personally I find Bath a bit poncy (sp?) give me leeds, newcastle or nottingham any day
I agree with Frontier(s) we should shoot the ugly people in order to be more like Bath.
Robert Feal-Martinez, Swindon says...
11:07am Mon 28 Apr 08
LordBelacqua, Swindon says...
11:09am Mon 28 Apr 08
See you tonight LodB
emmylou83, Stratton says...
11:12am Mon 28 Apr 08
Indeed. I'll be popping into the Carpenter's beforehand, as I'm leaving straight from work. Might actually get to read my paper for once!
Frontier(s), says...
11:14am Mon 28 Apr 08
emmylou83 wrote:Nottingham?
angry monkey wrote: I agree with Frontier(s) we should shoot the ugly people in order to be more like Bath.Hahaha angry monkey you do make me laugh, although personally I find Bath a bit poncy (sp?) give me leeds, newcastle or nottingham any day
LordBelacqua, Swindon says...
11:17am Mon 28 Apr 08
Lordb don't you finish work at like 5? you'll be sat round for an age and a half
emmylou83, Stratton says...
11:24am Mon 28 Apr 08
Frontier(s) wrote:Fantabulous for a night out though and I walked back to the hotel alone at 2am without being raped or mugged my friend was very surprised but as everyone knows I am invincable.
emmylou83 wrote:Nottingham? The gun crime capital of the UK??angry monkey wrote: I agree with Frontier(s) we should shoot the ugly people in order to be more like Bath.Hahaha angry monkey you do make me laugh, although personally I find Bath a bit poncy (sp?) give me leeds, newcastle or nottingham any day
emmylou83, Stratton says...
11:25am Mon 28 Apr 08
LordBelacqua wrote:ah ok I'll still be working so spare a thought for me when I drag my behind in the door at 9pm tonight :(
Lordb don't you finish work at like 5? you'll be sat round for an age and a halfBus for South Marston doesn't leave until 6.15. I'll get to hang around with all the winos in the bus station from 5.30 when my bus gets in... Wonder if Boswells is busy at that time of day lol.
LordBelacqua, Swindon says...
11:29am Mon 28 Apr 08
emmylou83, Stratton says...
11:32am Mon 28 Apr 08
Emmy you are a bloody danger to yourself!
LordBelacqua, Swindon says...
11:37am Mon 28 Apr 08
emmylou83 wrote:Ergo we should maintain this tangent :)
Emmy you are a bloody danger to yourself!So people tell me :o) anyway we're going off topic and will get shouted at.
Robert Feal-Martinez, Swindon says...
11:45am Mon 28 Apr 08
LordBelacqua, Swindon says...
11:49am Mon 28 Apr 08
Robert Feal-Martinez wrote:Not a problem - I just want the peace and quiet!
LordB, you're most welcome but I will already be at the Nightingale, press and stuff.
sear**, Stratton says...
12:12pm Mon 28 Apr 08
quote
Ankh, Morpork says...
12:33pm Mon 28 Apr 08
Frontier(s) Wrote: I spent most of the day and evening in Bath last Saturday.
emmylou83, Stratton says...
1:18pm Mon 28 Apr 08
LordBelacqua wrote:Ok Guess what I;m getting today :o) Wii Fit yay!!!!!
emmylou83 wrote:Ergo we should maintain this tangent :)Emmy you are a bloody danger to yourself!So people tell me :o) anyway we're going off topic and will get shouted at.
LordBelacqua, Swindon says...
1:56pm Mon 28 Apr 08
Ok Guess what I;m getting today :o) Wii Fit yay!!!!!
angry monkey, Swindon says...
1:59pm Mon 28 Apr 08
sear** wrote:I appreciate what you are saying, and it is true.
I spent most of the day and evening in Bath last Saturday. All I can say is that you'd have thought you were a million miles away from Swindon, rather than 30.quoteI completely agree with this. For those of you who are planning on visiting bath in the near future, i ask that you take 5 seconds of your time to look up whilst in Bath centre. What do you see? Culture! The buildings are beautiful, the centre is clean and smart. swindon in my opinoin is one big concrete block. Although i am fond the canal ides i am a little less than confident that it will change the views about Swindon of visitors and residents. Ok so it will be nice whilst it's new but how long before we see shopping trolleys amongst reed?
Frontier(s), says...
2:18pm Mon 28 Apr 08
Frontier(s), says...
2:27pm Mon 28 Apr 08
DarkAuror, Swindon says...
2:32pm Mon 28 Apr 08
emmylou83, Stratton says...
2:36pm Mon 28 Apr 08
There is a need for different independent shops and resturants and cafes but Swindon need to entice them with a carrot i.e. cheap rents.
DarkAuror, Swindon says...
2:40pm Mon 28 Apr 08
emmylou83 wrote:She's been brainwashed by Roy Cartwright. ;0)
There is a need for different independent shops and resturants and cafes but Swindon need to entice them with a carrot i.e. cheap rents.According to someone I know the canel will bring the independant shops I nearly hit her round the head with my pizza slice to get her to see sense.
mumoftwo, Swindon says...
2:42pm Mon 28 Apr 08
emmylou83, Stratton says...
2:46pm Mon 28 Apr 08
DarkAuror wrote:I'm all in favour of new shops :o) Its like I said to her though I don't actually plan to be here when the canal does happen (although knowing my luck I will still be here)
emmylou83 wrote:She's been brainwashed by Roy Cartwright. ;0) Seriously, The canal needs the shops more than the shops needing the canal.There is a need for different independent shops and resturants and cafes but Swindon need to entice them with a carrot i.e. cheap rents.According to someone I know the canel will bring the independant shops I nearly hit her round the head with my pizza slice to get her to see sense.
DarkAuror, Swindon says...
2:51pm Mon 28 Apr 08
mumoftwo wrote:The transport issues and the school access will be addressed in the Swindon Transport Plan whenever that will appear. This Plan needs to be approved and adopted before the Canal Plan can go ahead.
The canal route that is currently mooted along Westcott Place is crazy, has no one realised there is a school along there and the only access is Westcott Place. Also the roads around this area are gridlocked at rush hour and that is before the front garden is built on! Spend the money making areas like around the Mechanics Institute look like something that we are proud of before wasting money on a canal.
DarkAuror, Swindon says...
2:57pm Mon 28 Apr 08
emmylou83 wrote:Well, if the canal does go ahead, I think Councillor Bluh has said by 2025. Most of the people who have said Yes will be too old to enjoy it.
DarkAuror wrote:I'm all in favour of new shops :o) Its like I said to her though I don't actually plan to be here when the canal does happen (although knowing my luck I will still be here)emmylou83 wrote:She's been brainwashed by Roy Cartwright. ;0) Seriously, The canal needs the shops more than the shops needing the canal.There is a need for different independent shops and resturants and cafes but Swindon need to entice them with a carrot i.e. cheap rents.According to someone I know the canel will bring the independant shops I nearly hit her round the head with my pizza slice to get her to see sense.
emmylou83, Stratton says...
3:04pm Mon 28 Apr 08
It's shame, I was waiting for the delights of the latest cheap tact shop if it appears, not! ;0)
steve-o, Swindon says...
3:12pm Mon 28 Apr 08
Bea, Swindon says...
3:25pm Mon 28 Apr 08
DarkAuror, Swindon says...
3:26pm Mon 28 Apr 08
steve-o wrote:I thought the canal was part of the regeneration vision.
Why dowe go off tothe canal gain item was about general regeneration, mechanics and all, knock that down and put up some white boarding
steve-o, Swindon says...
3:33pm Mon 28 Apr 08
Bea wrote:Think you have Bea cos Dark Auror does let say it slowly we keep hearing about regeneration but all what hjappens is knock it down and put up white hoarding.
Has steve-o been hiiting the bottle? Couldn't make sense of his last post
steve-o, Swindon says...
3:36pm Mon 28 Apr 08
DarkAuror wrote:I think one step at a time should be the case, there are too may empty spaces and shops already, the college and carfax is next to be flattened
steve-o wrote: Why dowe go off tothe canal gain item was about general regeneration, mechanics and all, knock that down and put up some white boardingI thought the canal was part of the regeneration vision. The council vision for the are down in publand to be developed in to an marina, with trendy winebars and cafes, and upmarket shops. My initial post was the need of the developers and rental companies to encourage the independent shops to come to Swindon enticed by cheap rent.
DarkAuror, Swindon says...
4:02pm Mon 28 Apr 08
steve-o wrote:I agree one step at a time but there has only been one scheme approved and that's the Granville St car park redevelopment.
DarkAuror wrote:I think one step at a time should be the case, there are too may empty spaces and shops already, the college and carfax is next to be flattenedsteve-o wrote: Why dowe go off tothe canal gain item was about general regeneration, mechanics and all, knock that down and put up some white boardingI thought the canal was part of the regeneration vision. The council vision for the are down in publand to be developed in to an marina, with trendy winebars and cafes, and upmarket shops. My initial post was the need of the developers and rental companies to encourage the independent shops to come to Swindon enticed by cheap rent.
steve-o, Swindon says...
4:12pm Mon 28 Apr 08
s.lovesey, Swindon says...
4:29pm Mon 28 Apr 08
Frontier(s) wrote:Great comment, whats that about !!!
I mean, seriously, who thought Swindon town centre would be improved by putting a giant TV screen right opposite McDonalds?!? If that doesn't just sum Swindon up perfectly, I don't know what does.
DarkAuror, Swindon says...
4:35pm Mon 28 Apr 08
Robin Harris, Swindon says...
4:35pm Mon 28 Apr 08
DarkAuror, Swindon says...
4:37pm Mon 28 Apr 08
s.lovesey, Swindon says...
4:41pm Mon 28 Apr 08
DarkAuror wrote:That would stop all the Chavs watchin the big screen at Micky D's peeing in the street !!!
I don't think Mark Dempsey gave a reason. I just remember Councillor Tomlinson's comment in his debate where he said that Labour's big idea for the vision for Swindon is more public toilets!
Robin Harris, Swindon says...
5:05pm Mon 28 Apr 08
Grumpy old man, Swindon says...
5:44pm Mon 28 Apr 08
Frontier(s), says...
6:58pm Mon 28 Apr 08
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WTF?, Swindon says...
8:50pm Sun 27 Apr 08
You'd have no say in it you wally, unless you're about to re-write government legislation.
No doubt this man is on the planning committee given that he knows nothing.