west Swindon's
Meigeizine
OFFICE FURNITURE WE SELL— BUY - HIRE LEASE WITH A SAME DAY DELIVERY 17/20 HIGH STREET WOOTTON BASSETT TEL: SWINDON 853887
Est. 1978
Playscheme changes venue West Swindon's free summer playscheme for fives to 12 year olds - WASPS - is well into the second of the four weeks of summer fun and activity. There has been a change of venue for the week beginning 8th August. Instead of Greendown, as advertised, WASPS will be found at Toothill Farm on Bodiam Drive, Toothill. The final week, from Monday 15th August, will take place at Westea School. WASPS takes place from Monday to Thursday, 11a.m. to 3p.m. and is FREE. Children must bring their own lunch and there is a tuck shop where goodies can be bought. Although the activities are free, donations from well-wishers and supporters will be gratefully received. It will be used to develop more play activities in the future. Every day is a surprise at WASPS and children are asked to bring something for the following day. However, there is no pressure to contribute. On page 3 there is a list of items to bring. Below: Under 5$ at Upper Shaw Farm. Details of opening times on page 16.
Circulation 10,000
No. 77 August 1988
Cinemas set to bring in the crowds West Swindon's leisure faciliCoun. Midwinter is enthusiasCoun. Midwinter believes ties will soon be second to none tic by the scheme being pro- West Swindon could soon beaccording to a local councillor. posed. "I was quite surprised. It come even more of a tourist at-
Toothill ward councillor Ricky Midwinter has described plans to build a cinema and leisure facilities in the area as very exciting. After months of secret negotiations the proposals to build a ten screen cinema complex in the area will soon be unveiled and building work could start before the end of the year. The site, on the hill opposite the Link Centre, will also include a 10 pin bowling alley, restaurants, nightclub and a hotel.
doesn't look bad for a large development in a prestigious location. But, I am looking for guarantees on noise levels and good pedestrian walk-ways to the District Centre to minimise inconvenience to people living close-by. "Information about the scheme will be circulated to local residents and I want the developers to make a presentation to the community on their proposals before they go to Planning Committee."
traction. "Local people will certainly benefit; and the cinema complex, with the hotel close-by, along with the Link Centre and the Tennis Centre, all in West Swindon, and the other facilities across the town will bring people here for leisure holidays. There isn't another council as committed to and community provision as Thamesdown." The proposals went for approval before Thamesdown Council's Development subCommittee on 3rd August.
Is West Swindon a "community?' Meeting looks for answers Forty people attended a meeting on 13th July at Link Centre's Arts Studio to discuss whether West Swindon is a "community.' Although those attending the open evening organised by Thamesdown Council's Community Development Team in West Swindon did not arrive at an answer, they put forward views which described what was good and bad about the area, and what needs to be improved.
Friendly people, good neighbours and the number of community groups were seen as positive aspects to West Swindon. So were the leisure facilities, play areas, the provision for families and closeness to the countryside. On the negative side, the Gateway superstore was heavilycriticised for high prices, low quality and lack of information about the changes being made in store. Police treatment of young people, untidy gardens, stupid house numbering, dog excreta on pavements, the lack of a launderette, and facilities in Grange Park, litter, the lack of things to do on a low income, and apathetic people who moan about nothing to do all came in for stick during the discussion. A wide range of changes and improvements were called for. Teenagers at the meeting wanted more activities for people without money, training facilities and a refuge for youngsters who leave home after disputes with parents.
Parents wanted a toddler splash pool, nursery groups and staffed adventure playgrounds. There were also calls for the cinema to be built soon, more notice boards in the area for the display of information, social activities for the 18 to 30 age bracket and better public relations with the Police. It was agreed that another discussion should take place in the Autumn to follow up the points raised at the meeting. -Only a limited number of people in West Swindon know that the Community Development team exists. Next month, The Link profiles the team and describes its work.