29/04/09 - Connecting People, Connecting Places

The Conservatives approved yesterday a new scheme on Swindon Borough Council to bring local powers and decisions to local residents. 

Swindon will be split into seven clusters (see below) allowing each area to help set / influence their own priorities for services and qualities.

Decisions will be made locally to suit the individual areas, allowing residents a chance to make a real difference.

There will be 7 clusters:

• West - Freshbrook & Grange Park, Shaw & Nine Elms and Toothill & Westlea
• East - Dorcan, Parks and Walcot
• Town Centre - Central and Eastcott
• North Central - Gorse Hill & Pinehurst, Penhill and Western
• South - Old Town & Lawn, Ridgeway and Wroughton & Chiseldon
• North East - Covingham, Nythe & Coleview, Highworth, St Margaret and St Philip
• North - Abbey Meads, Blunsdon, Haydon Wick and Moredon

Cllr Justin Tomlinson, "Under the Labour Government we as residents are dictated to by Labour politicians who rarely step foot in Swindon. In stark contrast we believe local residents should have a great say over the services and facilities which we pay for through our Council Tax.

"These clusters will allow us as residents to be both flexible and radical in how we prioritise which services / facilities we need for our individual areas.  Key decisions will be made by local residents, so together we can make a real difference to our local areas.''

The first cluster meetings will start in May.