West Swindon's
Meigazine THE
LINK No. 100 July 1990 . Circulation 10,500
I
Viewrite for TV & Video Rentals Short or Long Term 848497
486872
Tuesday market offers choice and .uality
Thamesdown Mayor and Mayoress, Councillor and Mrs DeriqueMontautand Councillor Ricky Midwinter help Elizabeth Morgan of Shaw and Sidney and Florence Snelling of Grange Park with their veg. shopping
Last meadow disappears Residents in Grange Park have been infuriated by the destruction of hedges and trees near their homes to make way for new houses. West Swindon's last genuine meadow, hidden by trees off Hay Lane, is being cleared by Bradley Homes to build 54 executive houses. A start has already been made on building a school on part of the site. However some of the people living close by are annoyed that mature trees and hedges were ripped up, just as birds were nesting. "The field was a delightful, unspoilt meadow area," said Jane Brown of Bosworth Road. "It was a last piece of countryside where people walked their dogs and children could play. There is a great deal of wildlife and birdlife, including a pair of nightingales. We're all disappointed to see this last field disappear. We were also angry to see some of the hedges that are show on the plans to be preserved being removed."
Another tree about to be lost
Fresh Brook clean up As a result of the housing development on the Rectory Field site in Grange Park, a local councillor Is leading a community clean up of the pond which fed the original fresh brook Details on page 5.
Another element in developing West Swindon's communitywas put into place when an outdoor market opened on 19 June in the coach park at the Link Centre. The market was launched by local councillor Ricky Midwinter who has campaigned fora market to be established to provide West Swindon consumers with a choice of shopping facilities in the area. He thanked Thamesdown Council officers for carrrying out the negotiations to set up the market and welcomed operators Town & Country Markets into the area. 'The market is a direct challenge to ASDA's performance, as readers of the letters in The Link will know," he said. "Local people are saying they want quality goods, at the right price. The market provides an alternative and as a market goer I'm impressed with what I see. I'm sure that people will enjoy visiting the market; I'd be interested to know if it should open on other days. Lyn Evans of Town & Country
Markets said a market was a good place to meet people. "In the old days a market was the centre of community life. There's such a different atmosphere doing your shopping outdoors. It's a chance to mix and meet other people." Early reaction from residents was very positive. "It's brilliant," said Angela Shailes of Randell Crescent, Shaw. There are great bargains in childrens clothes and the fruit and veg. is good quality." JohnHudsonofWindmillCourt elderly persons group dwelling said, 'The prices are really great. I'd like to see the market on a Friday as well. It's expensive to go into town for a weekly shop." The market operators are running a free 'Shopperbus' for elderly and disabled people who cannot get to the market on their own. To book a place on the bus, ring 616050 ext. 5 between 1p.m. and 3p.m., Mondays and Fridays. Tea and coffee is served in the Link Centre after visiting the market, before the bus trip home.
There's a free charity stall available to local community groups at the market each week. To book, telephone Martha, Betty or Mary In the Community Suite at the Link Centre on 871212 ext. 234.