LAST month when I set out the council’s Vision, I emphasised that delivering many of the four priorities and 30 pledges would require the support of others if they were to be delivered. Success will only come if we work in partnership.

Here’s an example. Each Thursday from November 5 through to the the New Year sales, we will have free parking at Brunel North Car Park and Fleming Way Car Park between 3pm and 9pm.

While the council will bear part of the costs of this scheme, including the lost car parking revenue, both InSwindon and the Brunel Centre will be paying part of the bill.

This is what I call a proper public private partnership.

InSwindon represents the town centre businesses that are part of the Business Improvement District while the Brunel Centre is privately owned.

What we all know is that there is a huge variety of shops, cafes, restaurants and bars in Swindon and that our whole economy will be better if we have more people visiting them and spending money with them.

A thriving town centre will help maintain jobs and boost the council’s business rates income that we can use to support front-line services.

This special parking promotion builds on the council’s previous work to make our car parking prices competitive and to attract people from outside Swindon to our shops.

A few years ago, we lowered our parking charges to £2 for four hours. The free parking on Thursdays just extends this scheme.

As well as the great range of places to visit and the lower parking charges, there are more attractions coming that should encourage people to come to Swindon.

On November 19 the Christmas lights will be switched on by Union J.

Yes, I know the more jaded and cynical readers might be thinking: What have these people from idol-Britain’s-got-factor-x-all-talent-up-a-jungle-with-celebrities-on-ice got to do with anything, but it’s Christmas, it’s fun.

Please go to InSwindon’s website www.swindontowncentre.co.uk for more information.

While there are some who look back to the past when politicians decided everything, I much prefer the current method where we build alliances with like-minded people and organisations.

Over the weeks and months to come, I am sure I will be able to share more news about progress towards the Vision.