Ploughing on undaunted
December 9th, 2007Heavy rain and strong wind failed to dent our spirits yesterday as we embarked upon the second Green Action Day at Westleaze Play Area. Our team, consisting of Cllrs Mary Martin, Steve Wakefield, Nick Martin, Michael Dickinson and Peter Greenhalagh, plus a PPC nursing a heavy cold, were joined by members of the public. Some of our handiwork of August had been interfered with. One or two panels from the slide area had to be recovered from the pond. Thanks to local resident Will Bradfield and his toolbox, we were able to fix them back in their proper positions. We filled an estate car with black bags and restored two Asda trolleys plus a Sainsburys trolley to their lawful owners. I tested Asda’s powers of trolley recovery with a call to Customer Services. Ever the sceptic, I decided to wheel a trolley back to Asda West Swindon, in company with Cllr Greenhalgh. Our scepticism proved to be unfounded; we met two Asda employees at the store entrance who were on their way over in response to my call.
(From Left: Steve Wakefield, Will Bradfield, Michael Dickinson, me, Mary Martin, Nick Martin)
Our leafleting campaign was helped by some colleagues from Swansea, who journeyed over to Swindon despite the dreadful weather. With their help, we were able to distribute a large quantity of leaflets and cards through doors in Toothill and Westlea. My thanks to Swansea West PPC Cllr Rene Kinzett and former Swansea City Councillor and Lord Mayor, Paul Valerio, who has supported me throughout my time in Conservative politics.
(From Left: RB [in fetching beanie], Nick Martin, Sue Dickinson, Michael Dickinson)
This year’s settlement for Local Government is going to be one of the most difficult in recent times. Swindon’s Labour MPs say that until the Council brings them evidence that they are getting a poor deal, then there is nothing to be done. Swindon Borough Council’s funding sees them languishing in the bottom twenty local authorities in England. The huge challenges of infrastructure and development facing the town are being ignored by the Government, as are the difficulties faced in a town where many working people on low incomes are struggling to pay Council Tax. For example, Swindon’s children receive less funding per head on their education from the Government than most of the other local authorities in England.
The evidence should be staring our MPs in the face. Is their reluctance to act a case of putting Party before constituency?
