THE I I
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No. 160 •August 1995 • Circulation 15,000
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Swindon
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USES 2 45 - 17 Seaters Distributed in West Swindon, Haydon Wick, Woodhall Park & Abbey Meads
The positive newsforce in West and North Swindon an the swindon wide what's on guide
Safety measures could be dangerous
Daily • Weekend • Weekly
ATIfrAc AF Au1èJlTIIIFS
A group of West Swindon Centre users claim six barriers installed across a footpath to protect pedestrians from cyclists actually increases the danger to people on foot, particularly children and the elderly. The footpath on the north side of the centre is designated a joint walkway/cycleway linking Toothill and Freshbrook to Westlea. Centre manager Julian Leggett said he had to take action after an elderly woman walking on the footpath was badly injured after being hit by a speeding cyclist. 'We have a major problem. We cannot close the route to bicycles, but we must avoid another accident. Cyclists ignored the white line painted on the footpath and the barriers are a physical protection to people walking from the car park.' He said the width of the barriers had been reduced, but trolleys and buggies can still be pushed under them whilst shoppers should walk around them. However, pedestrian, cyclist and mother Marie Hanna from Grange Park says the scheme creates more conflicts between users. "It's very awkward to push trolleys under the barriers and walk around them. It's impossible if you're holding a toddler's hand whilst pushing your shopping. "The usable space has been greatly reduced and there is less room for those on foot to pass cyclists. Barriers down the centre of the walkway and better warning signs would be a better solution." Kerry Prentice from Toothill said it was difficult to push a trolley under the barriers, especially if there is a child sitting in it. "I've seen cyclists weave in and out of the barriers to avoid trolleys being pushed in the cycleway." She added that many trolleys will not easily push in a straight line.
The Link Magazines guide to West and North Swindon. Details on page 16.
Burglars deterred by police action
Reviewing the new barriers at the West Swindon Cent re,from left to right, Marie Sneddon with her sons Kenneth and Craig, Marie Hanna and Terry Prentice Geraldine Richardson from Ramleaze thought the barriers were very awkward to get a trolley round. Marie Sneddon from Nine Elms commented. "I think the barriers area stupid idea. They put me off bringing my children to the shopping centre." Mr Leggett said the barriers were now permanent fixtures, but he might reduce the number after monitoring the situation.
Burglaries in hard-hit Grange Park have dropped dramatically following a plainclothes surveillance operation by the police leading to arrests and further investigations. The Link reported exclusively last month that in the first five months of the year there had been 56 house break-ins on the 1,900 homes in the area, 14% of burglaries in the Swindon North police sub-division. At a public meeting on 12 July, publicised on the July front page, Inspector Andy Tatum revealed that the police had cracked the problem for the time being. There had been no burglaries since 17 June. Over 120 people attended to discuss the situation. Inspector Tatum said he was very pleased by the resident's support. "This sets the scene for further meetings in other areas." Continued on page 3
The Wiltshipe Festival. Win tickets for two great music events at Lydiard Park. Concert into, on pages 10 & 11 • Competitions on pages 12 & 13
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