12:10pm Friday 3rd July 2009
THE Swindon Advertiser has revamped the way it reports on local issues.
The paper’s team of journalists have all been assigned patches and portfolios to ensure nobody within the Adver’s reach is neglected.
Issues including crime, health, politics, education, transport and the environment now all have their own dedicated journalist.
Every area of the town – including its surrounding villages – has also been assigned its own correspondent.
Editor Dave King said: “Here at the Adver we are committed to covering the stories our readers deserve to know.
“We also want to promote the town and the achievements of its individuals and community groups.
“However, we need readers to let us know about the stories they think we should be covering.
“If you have a story you think should be featured in the Adver, please get in touch with our newsdesk on 01793 501802 or one of our reporters.”
Sarah Hilley will continue in her role as education reporter, but will also report on West Swindon, including Westlea, Freshbrook and Toothill.
Sarah studied biochemistry at the University of Ulster before joining the Adver two years ago.
She said: “I am interested in stories of human achievement.”
Ben Perrin is the Adver’s new crime reporter. Ben has been working for the paper for two years and has lived in Wiltshire since he was three-years-old.
Ben, who will also cover the Walcot and Parks areas of Swindon, said: “I’m particularly interested in gritty crime stories – be it a major incident or ongoing problems of antisocial behaviour.”
People living in North Swindon — including Penhill, Pinehurst, Haydon Wick and Moredon residents — should contact Jeremy Grimaldi with their stories.
Jeremy was a corporate sales manager in Toronto, Canada, before joining the Adver 18 months ago. He is also responsible for transport stories.
Jeremy said: “I am always keen to stand up for the people of Swindon regardless of the subject matter.”
James Wallin has covered issues including speed cameras, the Eastern Development Area (EDA) and plans to regenerate Swindon’s town centre as the Adver’s political reporter.
He is also responsible for Old Town, the town centre and Rodbourne.
James said: “I am passionate about telling our readers the truth about how their taxes are spent.”
Hayley Court is the Adver’s health correspondent.
Hayley recently spent an evening with a crew of paramedics and broke news of Swindon’s first case of swine flu.
She is also responsible for East Swindon including Stratton, Covingham, Eldene, Liden and Dorcan.
Hayley said: “I want to cover peoples experiences of healthcare in Swindon — be they good or bad.”
Emma Streatfield is the Adver’s new communities and environment reporter.
Emma studied English at the University of Warwick and joined the Adver at the start of 2008.
She will also be responsible for covering south Swindon and the towns and villages surrounding Swindon, including Wootton Bassett, Highworth, Cricklade, Wroughton, Purton and Chiseldon.
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