Letter from Matt Rhodes (From Swindon Advertiser)

Letter from Matt Rhodes

2:32pm Monday 6th July 2009

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I READ with interest an article that appeared on the Adver website on June 25 stating that the majority of people surveyed said they are happy to live in Swindon but are dissatisfied with Swindon Borough Council.

I believe that this survey quite accurately reflects people’s opinions on the town and the council. Having moved to Swindon last September I was glad to see that the people are welcoming and friendly. Our town has many things that make it a good place to live; good schools, a fantastic hospital, the Outlet Centre and we are surrounded by lovely countryside to name but a few.

When it comes to the council I have been less impressed. The speed camera debacle is an embarrassment to the people of the town, to think the council wasted so much time on this issue that will end up costing the tax payer more to make us less safe. From then on we have seen the closure of Groundwell Park and Ride, closure of the Well Women’s Centre, threatening the closure of local libraries, raising residents’ parking by 200 per cent and slashing the funding to Swindon Dance.

One of the most interesting results from the survey was that only 26 per cent of people surveyed felt like they could influence decisions that affect their area. This is a real problem and part of the reason why turnout in all elections, but particularly local elections is so low. The best way to get people to come out and vote is to give them the confidence that they can really make a difference.

I want to see the council really engaging with communities. The Government has given local councils the tools to do this under the Real People Real Power White Paper and locally this is known as Connecting People, Connecting Places. From my experience not many people know about this scheme, I’m not even sure how it will work in my area. That’s part of the problem; the council doesn’t engage positively with people.

The council needs to step up to the challenge and encourage not just those who are already active in their communities to have their say, but those who want to have their voices heard but are ignored at the moment.

I want to make a difference and I want to give everyone the chance to have their say on what happens in their local area. That’s why I want to be a councillor in Freshbrook & Grange Park and over the next year I will be meeting local people to see if they believe in the same things I do.

MATT RHODES

Frankel Avenue

Redhouse

Swindon

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