SWINDON is a safe and secure place to live, but just occasionally we are all shocked by a rare and incomprehensible event like the murder of Tom Rogers.

My first thoughts are with the friends and family of Mr Rogers, and all the staff and customers at the Woodlands Edge pub in Peatmoor where he worked. A man has now been arrested, which means we’re limited in what can be said while the justice system runs its course.

However, it’s clear that attention needs to be given to the security of our footpaths and cycleways.

Mr Rogers died on Thursday night on a cycle path I have often used myself, between the Oasis Leisure Centre and Station Road. Since then, many people have expressed concern at the lack of CCTV cameras in the area.

In truth, we need to look at a range of measures to ensure that our footpaths and cycleways are as safe and secure as they possibly can be. That’s why I’ll be working with the police, the borough council and other agencies in the aftermath of this terrible event.

Since the murder, the police have been doing a very good job of reassuring the community that these sorts of events are extremely rare in Swindon. On Saturday night officers were on hand in Fleet Street with a mobile information point to help reassure the public and give advice on personal safety while out and about.

I have been in regular touch with the investigating officers, and will continue to work with them. Let’s not forget that these incidents are very, very unusual in Swindon. And let’s not forget Mr Rogers either. My thoughts are with everyone who knew him.

On to another matter, and on Saturday we marked Armed Forces Day in Swindon. The rain didn’t seem to put people off and there were good crowds for the event, as well as for the Old Town Festival itself.

This year the day had a special significance, as it coincided with the 100th anniversary of the event which sparked the First World War. When a young archduke was assassinated in Sarajevo on 28 June 1914, nobody thought that just six weeks later Europe would be plunged into one of the bloodiest conflicts we have ever known.

For that reason, I was determined that Swindon would mark Armed Forces Day appropriately. As you may have read in the last few weeks, it hasn’t all been plain sailing this year.

I have worked to try and bring everyone together to ensure we had an event worthy of the men and women who serve our country.

Swindon has proud links with the Armed Forces, and long may that continue.