A day after Coate Water was lost, a first-hand story from Councillor Russell (Labour, Gorse Hill & Pinehurst) of the shocking procedure of land transfering from Swindon Borough Council to developers.
The attempt to complete the deal over the land before the May election smacks of desperation and deep unprofessionalism.
Swindon Centric Says ; What the heck are our council playing at? Transparency and democracy, pah.
The battle for land close to Coate Water Country Park has been lost, the planning decision, which went to appeal, has now been granted.
890 homes will be built on land at Commonhead and the decision to build the Great Western Hospital over a decade ago unlocked the land and made any planning refusal difficult to justify.
52,000 people did not want this, the MP for South Swindon did not want this, some majority councillors privately did not want this.
Apart from Persimmon, who in Swindon wanted this?
Swindon Centric Says ; The battle for Coate is over, but the battle for Swindon's other green fields is just beginning. Long term planning now demands voters become heavily involved and stand over the shoulders of Swindon Borough Council and it's councillors watching their every move and decision.
They work for us.
Will the building of an urban park in the Davis Place area work?
Swindon Centric Says ; How will the Sainsburys delivery lorry be kept from tearing up the grass? We need plans and details please Councillor Perkins, but at £225,000 it better be bloody good.
Swindon Centric did actually see a couple of people using the Fleming Way Park today for it's intended purpose, so it might work!
Congratulations to all concerned with getting the hybrid 21/23 bus service reinstatement done.
I've been informed on Twitter (by Dorcandave, tip of the hat) that Thamesdown Transport (Swindon's bus company that the Council, and therefore us, all own) carries 175,000 passengers each week. 600 people signed the petition to get the bus service reintroduced, it better translate to bus passenger numbers.
Swindon Centric Says ; If you signed the petition, you should be first at the stop on the day of launch, reasonable ticket prices to suit all pockets!
The story about Councillor Vera Tomlinson being shocked at being offered drugs at Redhouse Shops in North Swindon needs no further comment from me as the Swindon Adver and the comments by Inspector Charlie Ducker (great name) do the job for me.
Just read the story here.
Swindon Centric Says ; Welcome to the 20th Century Councillor Tomlinson! Are you ready for us to tell you about text speak? We'll keep that bombshell for next week.
You'd imagine in a drug-riddled part of town such as North Swindon, the provision of things like post boxes would be low on a politician's radar.
But not so!
Swindon Centric Says ; I can't wait to see the election leaflet for the area, what other goodies does it contain? A pledge for all youngsters to address elders with a cap doff and only real fruit in the area's jam-making parties? I hope so.
It's a tough life being a ward politician, especially if you're one of those that's just woken up and realised there's a election in May.
'What ward am I running in? What's the policies? Budget cuts, town expansion, business investment, post boxes. I'll go with the post boxes I think."
If this the biggest issue in the Priory Vale ward, then some people aren't looking hard enough.
The suspension of the introduction of long-overdue parking restrictions in North Swindon is as much about pre-election panicking as fixing the problem.
The problem of on-street parking in Redhouse Way has existed for 6 years. Known by residents, visitors, and drivers. There is room for these vehicles to park in the side streets and it's the way to fix it. However, councillors for the wards involved seem to have taken umbrage to the idea of Swindon Borough Council getting round to instituting 'no waiting' stretches to the road.
Could it be that the councillors want to be seen to be involved in the process, even though it's a no-brainer? They kick up a mini-fuss with 'other solutions' to be evaluated (and they would be? Extra car parking spaces? And the money for that, from where?). Then, the original fix to the problem is carried out, but under the guise of 'look what your councillors have done, we work hard for you'.
Swindon Centric Says ; This bandwagon-jumping is an obvious as a Ford Ka blocking a bus number 15 to town, no-one is taken in by it.
Your councillors election campaigning in North Swindon ; what have they been doing for the previous 2/4 years, trying to park?
Click here for the original at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. All about what Sophie said, but she's so immature.
9. The night seemed to go on forever.
8. The weather's so gloomy I'll be hard-pressed to find anything worthy to say.
7. I'm so excited, but I bet Steve will come along and find something to make me feel rubbish.
6. I woke up without any pants on.
5. Try eating more fibre, when did you last encounter an apple that wasn't deep fried?
4. You need to remember that accounts are the same department that caught Al Capone.
3. Stop taking all the stationary, some of us actually need paperclips for proper purposes.
2. I always take my bags for life, then forget they're in my pocket.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. Someone forgot that it was her birthday, so we nipped to Tescos and bought her some no-frills vodka, she seemed quite touched.
Overheard something we've missed? Then email swindoncentric@gmail.com or leave a comment and your phrase could make it onto next weeks list!
Click here for the original at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. I remember seeing smoke, but no Indians.
9. You can do it properly, or not at all.
8. He waltzed off and I had to make up the whole time.
7. They always go to play dominos, thrilling I know.
6. I take it that these pants are ones you'll be wearing for special occasions?
5. Only half the lights are on, who do I see about that?
4. It's called a suspection inspection. Sounds serious and severe, but quite quirky.
3. Treating her like that makes me want to become violent, but you've seen my lack of upper body strength.
2. She jumped forward at the lights, I missed by about a foot and a half.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. The sun was coming up over Great Western Way and I thought it looked rather beautiful, don't tell anyone.
Overheard something we've missed? Then email swindoncentric@gmail.com or leave a comment and your phrase could make it onto next weeks list!
The owner of Swindon's derelict Locarno/Corn Exchange/Old Town Hall has applied for permission to demolish the remaining structure.
Previously the site was to be rebuilt, but permission to build on the adjacent carpark (which would make the plan economically viable) was withdrawn by councillors and the latest area of limbo began.
Coming only a few days after Leader of the Council Rod Bluh declared his support for getting the building restored, this could be another crunch moment for Swindon Borough Council's attitude towards the town's heritage. A similar situation occurred for the Mechanic's Institute, which, far from being restored, is on the agenda of the Prince's Trust for a long-term project.
Swindon Centric Says ; The easy option would be to grant Mr Gael MacKenzie permission to demolish the building. Go for the difficult option and dive into the deep end of long-term restoration and commitment. This town needs ownership of it's heritage and that needs courage and political commitment.
Click here for the original at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. He got the boot.
9. It must stem from his fear of responsibility.
8. I bought a cup of tea and waited until the reduced the price of the fresh bread.
7. You saved 7 pence, talk about tight.
6. Keep your opinion and body odour to yourself.
5. But there isn't a top deck, so your double-capacity strategy is laughable.
4. Everyone saw him out with her, she'd got the face that would suited being stuck on a wooden wall mount.
3. Try and remember why he even thinks it's a good idea to buy a facelift voucher for Jackie.
2. No, we didn't have pasta, I had spaghetti.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. There's only so many ways you can use spinach without making pie out of it.
Overheard something we've missed? Then email swindoncentric@gmail.com or leave a comment and your phrase could make it onto next weeks list!
Click here for the original at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. It plays really quietly and nearly goes silence.
9. Tuneage.
8. It's not the easiest thing to do, but it'll stop the limp.
7. Carol told me in confidence, which is why that's not her real name, to protect the gossips.
6. Keep him on your left and move forward.
5. The job has been changed, so they can replace him.
4. It doesn't seem fair on those who wear cut-off trousers.
3. But we didn't buy any water so you can't have any clean feet.
2. It would not surprise me if we all get told how bad a job we're doing when we hit the target.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. He only played him once, then they replaced his role with a door handle.
Overheard something we've missed? Then email swindoncentric@gmail.com or leave a comment and your phrase could make it onto next weeks list!
Click here for the original at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. All I need is a rescue and that'll do it.
9. Come back after 10 minutes and it'll look slightly better.
8. She left all his clothes on the sofa and woke up when Paul came in.
7. But with the discount, you're actually paying more, stop buying chocolate.
6. Don't let him be that manipulative, stand up.
5. Doesn't mean she's going to be a good mother, she's not cut out for it.
4. Turn the other cheek and take the high road.
3. Sandie said they'd all hear come April.
2. You know what needs doing, no-one else has the authority.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. Hold on tight, he takes the curves at quite a speed.
Overheard something we've missed? Then email swindoncentric@gmail.com or leave a comment and your phrase could make it onto next weeks list!
Click here for the original at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. The situation has become temporarily vacant.
9. I ate all this arguing about small points, and it's all so small.
8. There's an excuse for lethargy, but I can't be bothered to remember.
7. Colin's persuasive way of speaking nearly won me over, but then I remembered.
6. Really danced so hard I broke my heel, they're not really my going out shoes, so it's alright.
5. The place has been left to it's own devices, hasn't been to bad really.
4. I have four layers on and look at my hands, just look at my hands!
3. Remember the important things and don't give time to those people you really don't like.
2. Once more, and this time, I expect you to smile at the end.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. Shine a light on the whole messy affair, it's not something you should put up with, ever again.
Overheard something we've missed? Then email swindoncentric@gmail.com or leave a comment and your phrase could make it onto next weeks list!
Click here for the original at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. I'm trying to breathe, but having some difficulty.
9. Everything is alright if I just forget about it.
8. I've been driving for an hour and didn't realise I hadn't used all of them.
7. Been waiting since 6 o'clock for him to come on duty and there's been no sign of him.
6. On these all day, I'm pretty sure to go loopy.
5. A separate stop is about 10 yards away, why do that?
4. There's a lot of courage in what he did, but that might just be foolishness.
3. Swing into the middle lane and make sure the end's not sticking out.
2. There's a number of reasons I could give you, but the main one is, I really don't want to go.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. I could tell you a joke about creme eggs, but it's not very good.
Overheard something we've missed? Then email swindoncentric@gmail.com or leave a comment and your phrase could make it onto next weeks list!
Click here for the original at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. Don't fall down the front.
9. I was waiting for the one behind, but then I saw you and realised my battery had died.
8. It was built in 1894 in the same time it takes you to make a cup of tea.
7. It's a joy to experience just how unaware Margaret is.
6. There's no other man in the world who is as laid back as you.
5. There's nothing wrong with rogue-ness, but real gents frown upon it most severely.
4. I'd prefer a pasty, but I suppose a salad is just as inviting.
3. The plan will see 30,000 units moved in 18 months.
2. A limit exists, I can't take this anymore.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. He said he needed me to trust him again, and that broke it, it's over.
Overheard something we've missed? Then email swindoncentric@gmail.com or leave a comment and your phrase could make it onto next weeks list!
Click here for the original at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. With his height, I'm astonished it's actually an issue.
9. The World's oldest-surviving pants suit.
8. If it had mechanical-conversion, we'd be able to annoy twice as many people in that time.
7. Basically, if I can get a big chicken, we're sorted till Monday.
6. Suspects are high, we should check their pockets.
5. Pastel colours only succeed in making you look like a sweet.
4. It's an adventure playground with plastic balls, I think it's for children.
3. My memory only goes back as far as my husband remembers.
2. Tell HR I've had enough of their tossy attotude.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. You can't turn around the ethos of a company that's been badly run since the 80s.
Overheard something we've missed? Then email swindoncentric@gmail.com or leave a comment and your phrase could make it onto next weeks list!
Click here for the original at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. There's a link there, haven't a clue what it is though.
9. It's a tablet, you swallow it, don't try and go on Facebook with it.
8. If there's leftovers, they'll be on the turn soon.
7. Fireworks? At 9pm? What is this, North Korea?
6. Let's move away from what you think you should buy and what would suit you instead.
5. There's a mountain of biscuits that are priced cheaper than the carrier bags, come on.
4. Day-in, day-out, I keep finding myself watching rubbish on ITV.
3. Not long before they're gone, for another year and the argument can simmer til then.
2. If it was worth anything, it wouldn't be on sale of a Sierra boot.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. It keeps staring at me, that angel, all haughty on top of the tree, she's such a tart.
Overheard something we've missed? Then email swindoncentric@gmail.com or leave a comment and your phrase could make it onto next weeks list!
The spinning of the loss of Section 106 monies from North Swindon is now being called a gain (page 6 of the latest addition of the Link Magazine) by Swindon Borough Council Leader, Rod Bluh.
But, we're all use to it, as followers of Swindon's shameful dalliance in council-funded wi-fi failure, Digital City Limited. Now the political spin used to debatable effect on that mess is being employed to save face on developers money mysteries for North Swindon residents.
The money was originally allocated, mostly for road improvements (notably for building the missing link between Thamesdown Drive and Great Western Way), which never took place. The money was at risk of going back to the developers, but the council renegotiated for a far smaller amount for differing works, some of which has been spent outside of the North Swindon area.
But the loss of the original amount is still being called a gain, as we could have lost all of it, this is the belief of Mr. Bluh. In the same way that the flushing away of £400,000 to Digital City (who achieved not a single of their own business targets) has been spun as to be 'repaid' by UK Broadband, who have entered an entirely separate I.T. contract that is not connected with the Wi-Failed project.
Swindon Centric Says ; But in Swindon's, increasingly appearing to be, calm-down-dear-trust-me-I'm-in-charge/patronising form of governing, it's only to be expected.
If a promise or policy is broken in Swindon, you'll probably hear a slight variation on this fluffiest-of-fluffy phrases as used by Mr. Bluh at the end of this month's Link Magazine article on it, "I think we followed the spirit of the agreement."
The profile of Thamesdown Transport Managing Director Paul Jenkins by Barrie Hudson is an excellent piece on the person in charge of one of Swindon's most important companies.
As Thamesdown is wholly-owned by Swindon Borough Council, it's good to know the person at the top is experienced in their industry and actually realises the fundamental civic importance of a public transport system.
Swindon Centric Says ; Last buses tonight depart from terminuses at 8pm, with a special timetable restarting from Monday 2nd January.
As the reasons for trying to persuade a developer to invest in a site can be in a constant state of flux, so can the accompanying political spin of the reasons for regeneration not happening.
Seems the pendulum of reason for the Regent Circus development have swung so far one way, they've now swung towards the other.
Readers may remember that the reason behind the delay was bats. But this article from October (Swindon Centric is playing catchup with stories, you may have noticed!) gives the impression the liquidation of one of the two companies involved contributed to the delay. However, in a council meeting the member responsible for regeneration, Councillor Gary Perkins, denied that the financial problems would delay the project.
Plus Mr. Perkins talked widely about the bats now colonising the building and how that was delaying the redevelopment. However, the developer has said this will have little impact.
Swindon Centric Says ; So exactly what were/have we been told and what was/is correct?
It seems strange that an MP (and before that a councillor) who champions many policies that impact young people should be so dismissive of a small-scale Parish decision on graffiti walls.
In his Swindon Advertiser column of the 21st of October (yes, I'm a little behind!) Mr. Tomlinson dismisses the idea of legal graffiti walls since they didn't work at Mannington in 2001.
Feedback to Swindon Centric from someone who used them was that the structures weren't the best to use as a canvas, being slatted and at an angle. The site itself, immediately to the South West of where the John Lewis at Home store is now, between the Mannington Retail Park and railway line, allowed people to joyride onto it, resulting in a car being burnt out, not helping anyone.
The majority of legal graffiti sites tend to be in urban areas, where people will actually see the work produced. If you're going to add criminal connotations to an activity, shove it away where no-one will see it and you're halfway there.
Funny how in his column Mr. Tomlinson did not mention his once frequently-lauded achievement whilst in council office, that the free graffiti removal service offered by Swindon Borough Council was his idea (diverting money from a non-needed I.T budget if memory serves).
Swindon Centric Says ; How much of that money could be saved by having even a small amount of tags diverted to a legal graffiti wall? This is the same MP who is lobbying for children to be taught sound financial management. Oh dear.
There might not be a shark at all, but that's not stopping some from throwing chum into the water.
Back in October (yes, remember that?), there was a bizzare, non-story piece in the Swindon Advertiser, about the possible closure of Swindon's leisure centres.
Mr. Brannan's quote, included many important points, but his finger came all of a fumble by untying the bow he was about to knot...
"I can reassure residents that there are no planned closures but basically, they should use it or lose it."
Swindon Centric Says ; Rather like when reassuring a child there isn't a monster under the bed, but just as you turn out the line throw in the zinger, "but, you never know, do you?"
Click here for the original at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. There's no buses after 8 o'clock, that's it, we all go an hibernate for two days.
9. The threat is actually far less than you perceive.
8. For another year, I didn't send Christmas cards, beating the system.
7. People will look at you funny, but people do that the rest of the year, so no difference.
6. Oh yes, singing is such a good idea, let's get everyone in HR to do it.
5. There's not going to be a mass casualty event, why do we need all that bread?
4. I've got 4 years of wrapping paper in the cupboard, rest easy.
3. Fluffy, like a bear, but less deadly.
2. Stop trying to give manliness to that haircut, it will never work.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. It's time I started thinking about what to buy in the sales for next year.
Overheard something we've missed? Then email swindoncentric@gmail.com or leave a comment and your phrase could make it onto next weeks list!
Click here for the original at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. That relationship will sink, even without the interference of the iceberg.
9. Stop muttering, what are you saying, we didn't buy the tissues?
8. Drinking anything stronger than builder's tea should be made illegal.
7. Bad people are attracted to Lindsay like a fly around horse-ends.
6. You seem less concerned that me, you're not asleep are you?
5. The worse thing about Italian food is that I can't eat all of it.
4. In the World, 14th most efficient, yes!
3. Found several more of those underneath all the chocolate bars, all with the right dates on them.
2. Don't think about it, just ask her.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. The whole film just was porn for teenagers and a few questionable older people.
Overheard something we've missed? Then email swindoncentric@gmail.com or leave a comment and your phrase could make it onto next weeks list!
Click here for the original at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. Don't judge it until you're in possession of all your prejudices.
9. I grew up watching violent cartoons, didn't turn me into a murderer, just an accountant.
8. Watch out for that guy when we go over the humps.
7. Make more money than me and you win the bet.
6. This story isn't as ugly as when she woke up in the spare bedroom.
5. The line between order and chaos is barely visible.
4. But, if you act that way, did you expect her to hug and kiss you?
3. It's about to show the violence, which is why it'll get that rating.
2. Just because it's popular, don't think it makes any money.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. I won't give you away, but if you're going to wear jeggings, you're going to get found out.
Overheard something we've missed? Then email swindoncentric@gmail.com or leave a comment and your phrase could make it onto next weeks list!
Click here for the original at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. Don't ask me, I was asleep in the hallway.
9. She wants the designer one, but we all know the sweat-shop priced one she'll be opening.
8. Get a latte and try and enjoy it.
7. It was released, then they withdrew it because it caused hives.
6. Imagine for a moment that I'm actually here.
5. Emmerdale's never been decent since they dropped the 'Farm' from the title.
4. Rapidly increasing waistlines was the name of the report.
3. If it's a cheap laugh, it's worth me listening in.
2. Mike was enjoying himself way too much.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. We had a roast dinner but, I really just wanted a plate of cheese and crackers.
Overheard something we've missed? Then email swindoncentric@gmail.com or leave a comment and your phrase could make it onto next weeks list!
Click here for the original at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. As far as they go, they're fine.
9. It's with a heavy heart I say to you, it's my stop.
8. You've let everyone and yourself down.
7. I can hear your Mum screaming at you from town.
6. Potatoes are good for two things only, crisps and crinkle-cut crisps.
5. They do give change, you have to give a special signal.
4. Shipwrecked would be to good for them.
3. Move over and I'll be able to breathe.
2. People said he arrived, collected his mug, swore and left, his car is still in the space.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. The central point of the story is that people have to believe she's blue and in 3-D, can't see it myself.
Overheard something we've missed? Then email swindoncentric@gmail.com or leave a comment and your phrase could make it onto next weeks list!
Click here for the original at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. She's unstable, did you see how she dressed yesterday?
9. Bring your own tea tomorrow if you feel that strongly.
8. Read what's bad in Heat magazine, then balance it up by reading the editorial in The Sun.
7. Pink, fuzzy and warm, I'm really feeling sick now.
6. Let's assess who you don't want to send Christmas cards to.
5. Better to see it with everyone watching, go on, start singing now.
4. Stand up and straighten up what they meant to say and get it sorted.
3. Let's take it apart and see if there's really a pork pie in there.
2. Shout it at him next time he leaves those 10 year-old pants on the floor.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. I hate to say this, but you never suited blue, either in clothes or your hair.
Overheard something we've missed? Then email swindoncentric@gmail.com or leave a comment and your phrase could make it onto next weeks list!
Click here for the original at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. Let's buy those chocolates, I like the nut ones.
9. I've my eye on someone else, they're sitting at the front.
8. Your pride is something no-one can take.
7. It's got the soul of the devil, but does he have one?
6. Let it move onto a better seat.
5. She's wearing with the expectation she'll get something, and you can see where she'll get it.
4. Excuse me please, that's mine.
3. Don't let Kirsty get the better of you, she's sly, like a fox.
2. Giftcards are the most un-Christmas presents, but the most practical ones next to money.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. If I didn't know better, I'd swear Sally was lying, but of course I know better.
Overheard something we've missed? Then email swindoncentric@gmail.com or leave a comment and your phrase could make it onto next weeks list!
Click here for the original at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. Some just came along for the ride.
9. There was an age barrier no-one could vault over.
8. I've read the report, got people's opinions and have no further interest.
7. From the shirt to the face, he still looked lost.
6. Entirely out of her depth, but has no clue about it.
5. That random person there carrying a Primark bag.
4. What happened to the standard that line manager who drove a Prius set?
3. It's lowest I've found.
2. They said very clearly, but I still didn't hear the cheer.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. Take no notice, I said, take no notice!
Overheard something we've missed? Then email swindoncentric@gmail.com or leave a comment and your phrase could make it onto next weeks list!
Click here for the original at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. I think she left a message, but I wouldn't bother.
9. Move over Fred Astaire, are you taking me dancing?
8. It's either called lunch, dinner or tea.
7. Practice a bit more and ring me afterwards.
6. Take over is in the air, I'd start looking at moving to the Coventry office.
5. So called 'price check' is a tremendous con.
4. If he had the organisational skills, the country wouldn't be in this state, we'd be Switzerland.
3. Oh, tune!
2. Grab onto the nearest pole, sounds odd.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. Don't look, just drive.
Overheard something we've missed? Then email swindoncentric@gmail.com or leave a comment and your phrase could make it onto next weeks list!
Did Swindon Borough Council know more about the Wi-Failed scheme (and how much danger the project, and the £400,000 of public money) were in? New details have emerged today of the botched attempt to bring free wi-fi to everywhere and everyone in the Borough.
A month before a Scrutiny meeting in March this year, a councillor was briefed on the current state of Digital City.
Swindon Centric Says ; How much, and in what depth, was the state of Digital City's finances and the frozen roll-out plan discussed, and what elements of this did not reach the Scrutiny meeting the following month?
We want our money back, getting someone else to give you £400,000 (that is not the original £400,000) is not 'recovering the money', it's 'attempting to recover your political integrity'.
Click here for the original at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. Hold the line and I'll forget you're there.
9. Don't forget about those shoes you left at mine.
8. Pesto, that Jamie Oliver's is so highly priced.
7. Sit back, relax and enjoy the raised tables.
6. She said she'd never date a man who's eyebrows were bushier than hers.
5. They've not moved their barbecue for 2 years, there's a sausage on it I swear.
4. If you switch your seat I'll be able to show you that mark.
3. I bought a dayrider and was only going two stops, more fool me.
2. She's able to talk about doing stuff, but rarely does it, is there anything going on in her head do you think?
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. Is he a Twonk?
Overheard something we've missed? Then email swindoncentric@gmail.com or leave a comment and your phrase could make it onto next weeks list!
A 1981 VRT in Badgerline livery. 5531 (EWS 739W) at the Bristol Harbourside Rally in May. This picture is used with the kind permission or Rob McCaffery, who's excellent Transport Illustrated site is highly recommended, click here for more.
Click here for the original at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. Well it's big enough for the job at hand.
9. I see you getting to the top, turning around and running out through the fire escape.
8. Standby for inaction.
7. They moved them into the left-hand lane, which, since it's being used for a contraflow led to a sudden and unexpected problem.
6. It's a bigger responsibility than when I had to look after them cats for the weekend.
5. Don't sit there, I just saw a rat come out of there.
4. Grab your purse and we'll increase the national debt at lunchtime.
3. She's moving into soft furnishings, which will be a clever move when the weather gets colder.
2. Move your leg before your soles melt on the hot pipe.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. They only keep asking her out because there's no other girl for 2 floors and 7 departments in the building.
Overheard something we've missed? Then email swindoncentric@gmail.com or leave a comment and your phrase could make it onto next weeks list!
The type of bus and colours seen on the Swindon and District bus fleet in Swindon, which was taken over by Stagecoach in the early nineties. Seen here in red and cream a Leyland Titan 110 (GNF 10V) at the Bristol Harbourside Rally in May. This picture is used with the kind permission or Rob McCaffery, who's excellent Transport Illustrated site is highly recommended, click here for more.
Click here for the original at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. Take his teeth out and hide them in strategic locations around the house.
9. Don't be so sympathetic, it comes across as desperate.
8. Try and look normal, I know it's hard.
7. You need a theme, you can't just be efficient from now until the day you retire.
6. I said take it outside, which was an ironic thing to say in a tent.
5. 'Morning', that was all I said and she jumps down my throat and slaps me about the chops.
4. It must have been difficult working with an award-winning idiot for two weeks.
3. I expected less cheek, but what can you get from a man that wears those dirty shoes.
2. We've exhausted your appetite for hummus, what next?
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. There seems a distinct lack of interest in my legs, which has never happened before.
Overheard something we've missed? Then email swindoncentric@gmail.com or leave a comment and your phrase could make it onto next weeks list!
One of Thamesdown's latest double deckers, at the Bristol Harbourside Rally in May. This picture by and used with the kind permission of Rob McCaffery, who's excellent Transport Illustrated site is highly recommended, click here for more.
Click here for the original at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. Dad's at home because he's been naughty and called Mummy a rude word.
9. Champagne would be good, tea would be better.
8. I have to get by somehow, if that means I have to sell pieces of the collection, so be it.
7. Jane hasn't a sympathetic bone in her body, she leaves Anne Robinson cold.
6. Call him Mr Vain, I remember that.
5. Her hair turned blue, her jeans pink and her face the colour of shame.
4. She's just got divorced, is 40ish and she keeps dressing like a 12 year-old, leave it love!
3. Everyone's got a cold, or is thinking of getting one.
2. The best weather's next week, we're going to suspend the seasons for a few days.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. Bring her if you want, but I won't speak to her, offer her any food and she better come with taxi fare home.
Overheard something we've missed? Then email swindoncentric@gmail.com or leave a comment and your phrase could make it onto next weeks list!
Click here for the original at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. If you can carry all that you've longer arms than me.
9. He was dressed as a woman, but it wasn't Thursday, so I wasn't expecting it.
8. Clive moved, Katy's got the big chair and I have a corner office with a spider plant.
7. The pub isn't as nice as it use to be before they put the grills up.
6. Steak pie, fish pie, vegetable pie, they had an offer on.
5. He needs to email her his picture and if she likes what she sees, she'll be in touch.
4. I suspect he thinks I like him, more fool him.
3. It'll never change, unless 500 customers all come in wanting the gold package.
2. Don't think the RM doesn't know what's going on, I heard agency staff will be here on Monday.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. This ensemble didn't just throw itself together you know.
Overheard something we've missed? Then email swindoncentric@gmail.com or leave a comment and your phrase could make it onto next weeks list!
Click here for the original at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. He wants the key to house, it's not his.
9. That's not how you make puff pastry, but she was taking no notice of me.
8. I think we must wait until we have more information, then we can strike.
7. Thanks to him I now have to spend the entire weekend rearranging my Great Aunt's cupboards and shed.
6. Look, potatoes are all well and good, but you can't serve them on a buffet table.
5. Nothing makes sense, but you know me, I'm not the cleverest person on the block.
4. Give me a ring if you need any help, anything at all.
3. I've eaten so many specials they've lost all their out-of-the-ordinary-ness for me now.
2. Unless you have visual evidence that he's been over there with his pants down, you'll have to keep doing what any sensible fiance does, checking his credit card statements.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. There's a girl on my college course that looks just like you, but she's thinner.
Overheard something we've missed? Then email swindoncentric@gmail.com or leave a comment and your phrase could make it onto next weeks list!
Click here for the original at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. What the hell did he do, eat her chocolate?
9. It means less when you consider all that's happened before.
8. She was bloated over lunch, I was still starvin'.
7. He got the job, after a lengthly form to fill out and a pointless phone interview.
6. No, Steve's on til 7, then doing a split tomorrow.
5. It's unfortunate that it all started to happen when Carol was hoping to have a long weekend away.
4. Take heart, he's got a plan and we'll all hear about it on Monday, so that's alright then, idiot.
3. No, she lives in Exeter Street, nearest she'll ever get to the West Country.
2. Drive your employees by fear and they'll drop you over the cliff in the end.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. Sarah and Kate came round, drank all my lambrusco and went off into town.
Overheard something we've missed? Then email swindoncentric@gmail.com or leave a comment and your phrase could make it onto next weeks list!
As we recently learnt, the long-delayed Regent Circus development is now being held up due to bats roosting in the former Technical College building on the site next to Victoria Road.
But could something far more business-like be a factor in the delay?
Like one of the two developers going into administration?
The Regent Circus scheme is being carried out by Ashfield Land and Parkridge Developments, but the latter is currently in administration which begs the question, why when Deputy Council Leader (and Cabinet Member for Regeneration) Garry Perkins waxed lyrical about bats, did he not mention that one of the two developers was in administration?
Swindon Centric Says ; Why has this fact never been announced by Garry Perkins, or Swindon Borough Council? Even if the administration of Parkridge Developments has no effect on the project, why has no-one in our Council talked about it?
Rotten Borough Regeneration?
UPDATE AND CORRECTION :
The issue of Parkridge Developments going into administration was raised by Councillor Bawden, who directed his question to Councillor Perkins of whether it would have an effect on the Regent Circus scheme and was told by Councillor Perkins it would make little difference.
Sorry for the mistake and thank you to Councillor Steve Wakefield for the correction.
So, it is just the bats we have to deal with. Maybe we can get them like this :
Yes, that's right, click here.
Swindon Centric Says ; Armchair Auditors across town, you know who you are, raise a glass tonight.
PS - Being vigilant, thorough and questioning isn't being politically opportunistic - it's democratically necessary.
Part of Honda's award-winning advertising campaign on restarting car production after their recession shutdown at the South Marston plant.
One of the main concerns of those opposing the Honda wind turbine plan has finally been exposed as non-applicable to a campaigner on the radio.
As Swindon Centric pointed out after a bit of very light digging, the possibility of 'shadow flicker' by the turbines on the east side of town has been eliminated by Ecotricity.
Now, BBC Wiltshire presenter, Graham Mack informed a campaigner on his Breakfast Show of this fact, but they didn't really seem particularly informed. Listen to it here, skip to 19 minutes 45 to listen to the interview.
Swindon Centric Says ; A big tip of the hat to Graham Mack. As campaigners keep saying, there's strong feeling about this proposal, there should be equally strong feeling about getting the facts right about it.
And that's a fact, a Mack Fact!
Pages Councillor Perkins?
The automatic striking off of Swindon's wi-fi company (taken £400,000 of our money and showing us precious little for it) would have allowed answers to questions to be buried for ever.
Mr Richard Symonds has written and objected to the striking off, which will now be postponed until the end of February.
Swindon Centric Says ; Coming soon, those long-overdue Digital City accounts (and where that money went and what it was spent on)... Maybe?
Isn't it great what the written word can, and may yet, achieve?
No, they didn't claim credit for this one.
Selective memory 'Swindrome' strikes again in Swindon!
This time, the Lib Dems repeatedly claimed credit for installing the Kingshill Crossing has been found to be wrong.
Swindon Centric Says ; Looks like Swindon's Lib Dems will have to look at their own achievements in the area to use in next year's election leaflets, which include... well... they got the.... erm, well good luck with that.
The scene on Lexington Avenue, New York, yesterday with a reflection of the Chrysler Building on an empty bus lane. All public transport, subways, buses, trains and ferries shut down yesterday at noon in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Irene.
Click here for the original at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. It's pasta, it's not going to happy slap you.
9. You forget, I spent six weeks on contract at the Cardiff office, I'm a veteran.
8. Move or I will move Sandra's desk with you sat at it.
7. We've had correct change since, at least, the days of Churchill.
6. Stephen Fry, would I be the first to say I don't find him interesting?
5. It was a Saturday night, I'm not responsible for your actions after a pitcher of that.
4. They're MC Hammer pants, I hear he's on his way with the fashion police to claim them back.
3. I'm not eating granola again, it's like road grit with fruit.
2. She's not settling for anything less than everything.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. I heard she had lied, then again, she told me she hadn't, I'm confused, or am I?
Overheard something we've missed? Then email swindoncentric@gmail.com or leave a comment and your phrase could make it onto next weeks list!
Cast your mind back to March last year, and to a sparse House of Commons chamber, then MP for Swindon South, Anne Snelgrove, raised the questions about the wi-fi scheme for Swindon that's now dead. Her words are as relevant now as they were nearly 18 months ago.
Swindon Centric Says ; Justin Tomlinson and Robert Buckland, MPs for Swindon North and South, what are you waiting for?
Where's the questions, concern and accountability from them?
The company Swindon Borough Council residents funded to the tune of £400,000, is in the process of being wound-up. Click on the above image for a bigger version of the winding-up order from Companies House.
Swindon Centric Says ; Cue spinning that this was all part of the plan and a 'potential investor' is soon to announce...
No flowers.
The view down Rolleston Street towards the proposed Regent Circus development.
The saga of pulling down the former Swindon College building in Regent Circus has moved onto bats, democracy and a dateless phase.
The last few years have been filled with promises of demolition dates, all of which have been missed.
Now Council Leader Rod Bluh has dispensed with a demolition date (very wise), but has rambled on to blame the inaction on bats living in the older part of the building on Victoria Road and also local residents. Blaming them for giving feedback to the plan for the area, which required amendment and, according to his comments, added to the delay.
Swindon Centric Says ; Blame the wi-fi failure on Swindon residents, blame a regeneration stalling on Swindon residents, what next?
Repairs to the splaying concrete on the exit delivery ramp appears to be complete, with painting part-way through.
Regular readers will recall the story from last year about the dodgy-looking state of the delivery ramps of Swindon's Brunel Centre, it's nearly taken a year, but it would appear that Brunel Centre owners CIT Group (a private equity company) have invested in repairs.
Swindon Centric Says ; Let's hope the excellent standard of upkeep within the Brunel Centre now becomes the norm outside as well (plus the painting of the grey concrete in white is a simple but very effective smartening-up move).
Swindon Borough Council is about to take ownership of The Bulldog pub in Walcot, in anticipation of demolition for redevelopment.
No plan is forthcoming from the council for the future of the site. The purchase of the pub is part of a desire to redo the entire Sussex Square area. The fewest of details about the plan are that a supermarket may be to go on the site.
Swindon Centric Says ; Purchasing buildings as a prelude for demolition, for a redevelopment plan that few people know details of...oooh, not the best way to go about it. Publish any and all plans for the area and get a dialogue going with those in Walcot, besides they're the ones who will have to live with whatever gets built in The Bulldog's place.
