09/07/10 - Swindon Advertiser Weekly Article

One of the key priorities for me as both a local resident and MP is to help deliver the much-needed town centre regeneration for Swindon. I’ve already met with Council Leader Rod Bluh and Karen Walker of Forward Swindon, both of whom are passionate about the need to deliver. A number of issues have become clear.

Firstly, it’s essential that Swindon is ready to deliver the regeneration as soon as the economy recovers. This means, working through Forward Swindon, we have to demonstrate to potential developers that we have a real determination to move forward. I am confident this is the case.

Secondly, up and down the country we are seeing ‘identikit’ town centres, with exactly the same shops whether you’re in Plymouth or Perth. Swindon needs to be different. We will need a reason for potential shoppers to choose Swindon over Bath, Bristol and Reading. On this, I will continue to push to make sure we offer provision for small, independent retailers – as championed in the current ‘Mary Queen of Shops’ BBC series. Variety, choice and quality will put Swindon on the map. In addition the provision of local farmers markets are a must.

Thirdly, we must get regeneration projects right. All too often we have been left disappointed. The failure to show the World Cup on the ‘Big Screen’, whatever the reasons behind it, is a case in point. And the new water feature which has come in for considerable criticism shows the need to think about the long term implications of decisions. Money is tight, so we need to be careful how we spend it, and where we do make investments, the people responsible should be accountable for any poor decisions.

And finally, we need to engage with all local residents, making sure we deliver appropriate development. This means targeting not just those of us who currently use the town centre, but those who have taken their custom elsewhere.

I have made it clear to both Swindon Council and Forward Swindon that wherever I have an opportunity I will promote Swindon and do all I can to attract the external investment that we need.

On a lighter note, I was delighted to attend the Pinehurst Fun Day at the weekend. Basking in glorious sunshine, the event was a huge success and a real credit to all the volunteers and local residents who worked so hard to make it possible. I was also impressed that Lillie Postlewhite, aged 9, came so close to winning the ‘press-up’ competition having quickly knocked up an impressive 50! Many of us left the event knowing a little more time in the gym might be in order!