Only 18 residents speak out on possible cuts (From Swindon Advertiser)

Only 18 residents speak out on possible cuts

9:00am Thursday 26th August 2010 in

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WITH just weeks to go before the axe will could fall on play schemes used by almost 7,000 children and day care services for the disabled in Swindon, only 18 people in the whole town have had their say.

Exactly a week has passed since Swindon Council started its consultation on where to save millions of pounds and highlighted the target areas for cuts and was hoping for thousands of the town’s residents to speak their minds.

However, just 18 responses have been received – just 0.01 per cent of the town’s estimated 200,000 residents.

Now council officials are warning that opinions and suggestions will only be taken into consideration if they officially respond to the consultation.

Garry Perkins, deputy leader of the council said: “This really is the one chance to say what you want.

“Many people think these cuts won’t affect them directly but I can guarantee they will be affected indirectly.

“It will have an impact on everyone’s lives.

“I would urge people to engage now rather than complain later. This is now about what the people out there can do for themselves rather than what the Government can do for them.

“If people feel strongly about a particular service which is threatened they need to tell us and come up with proactive ways of delivering the service in a different way.

“The people who use these services have the best knowledge of them and probably know them better than us.

“Who better, then, to help us with these tough decisions?

“This is really the final chance to have their voice heard.”

The Adver reported a week ago that the council has proposed to cut a number of services in an attempt to pull it out of the £48m shortfall it faces in the next three years.

One of the most controversial proposals is to withdraw the annual play service budget, which funds eight free play schemes across the town for children between the ages of six and 14.

Last year 6,965 children used the Play Service, which includes clubs and groups in Penhill, Gorse Hill, Blunsdon, Parks and Pinehurst.

The other proposals include closing the County Ground Lifestyle Centre, a massive overhaul of day care services in a bid to save £750,000 next year, slashing the Connexions service, only open the Swindon Museum and Art Gallery for four days a week, change the opening hours of Swindon Direct and review the Connect Supported Employment service, which helps people with learning difficulties find jobs.

All of the public comments, which have to be submitted by September 17, will be discussed at the Cabinet meeting on September 22 before the full council meeting on October 7.

For the full list of the proposed budget cuts, log onto www.swindon.gov.uk/budget2010.

To have your say, email the council at communications@ swindon.gov.uk or write to Communications Service, Swindon Council, Civic Offices, Euclid Street, Swindon, SN1 2JH.