22/12/09 - Ward Report - St Philip

Free internet Access for St Philips Residents !!

It has just been announced that Swindon has plans for free wireless internet access for every Resident in Swindon. The £1 million pound project aims to give Swindon blanket wi fi coverage using a network of 1,400 internet access points. The service is to be funded by a mixture of public and private money, and any profits would come from residents who subscribe to faster paid for access.Most of the access points which are the size of burglar alarms will be put on lamp posts,and they are similar to domestic internet routers but faster.

Petrol Prices Again

In a recent edition of this magazine, your Ward Councillors produced an article about how Petrol Prices , when at their peak , were causing serious problems for practically everyone. Since then the sudden drop in refined oil on the open market was helping people,but now the price is rising unexplainably higher again. Paul Findlow writes '' Although I am the first to accept that the days of cheap fuel are over, I am no in doubt that both the Government and greedy speculators are directly affecting the National and Local Economy with this madness. St Philips Residents have been contacting me explaining that for some their car is their only way of Transport and that with higher taxes on practically everything, they simply cannot afford to run a vehicle. Please keep your comments coming in''. .

Michael Wills MP

By now most Residents will be aware that Michael Wills will not be standing for Swindon North in the next General Election. Your Ward Councillors write-''Although we may not have agreed with everything Michael has done or said, we acknowledge his hard work and wish him all the best for the future.''

Queensfield Pub

Since printing an article concerning this Pub, we confirm that we have received no complaints in respect of rowdiness or excessive noise during opening hours. Ward Councillors have been to see the Landlords and have been extremely impressed by their efforts to turn the pub into a friendly, family place where everyone can enjoy a drink and socialise freely. Paul Findlow writes '' Mr & Mrs Doyle have spent so much effort into turning things around here, and I wish them the very best in their endeavours in promoting community spirit. With so many Pubs closing due to direct Government taxation, I hope their efforts are rewarded.''

Future Ward Surgeries

Our Ward Surgeries have now been running Monthly on the first Saturday of every month -11.30am-12.30pm at the Library. Some Residents feel this time suits them, others feel the time and place is not always convenient. Sinead Darker writes''I am keen to gauge the opinion on this and would ask that any who has any new ideas or proposals to contact us so we can consider any alternatives ''

Swindon Citizens Advice Bureau

Your Ward Councillors have received correspondence from the above organisation confirming they are starting a new advice service aimed at the over 55's in Swindon. Their main aims is to specialise in issues that are the most relevant to the needs of the over 55's. As well as dealing with a wide range of issues including money worries, debt,and help with Housing Benefits, their service is free and confidential. To speak to to an adviser in person , the bureau currently operates a drop in advice session for anybody aged 55 or over every Thursday from the Council Offices at Wat Tyler House between 10.00am-12.30pm. We are also offering the same service every Tuesday at North Swindon Advice Point , Liden Avenue, Pinehurst, between 10.00am-12.30pm.

Loft Insulaton -How many inches do you have in your loft ?

The answer is that you should have at least 10 inches of insulation. With winter now upon us its important to make sure your home is properly insulated . This could save you at least £25.00 a year on your fuel bills. St Philips Residents will be pleased to learn that the Council have secured funding to make insulation available , regardless of income, and if you are over 65 you will pay no more than £20.00 for both cavity and wall insulation. For a free survey call 0800 046 9699.

Maximise your Income

Since the launch of the Swindon Warm Zone in September, over 100 Swidon Residents have received advice from the Citizens Advice Bureau about maximusing their income by claiming the benefits they are entitled to. The most common benefits that go unclaimed are Pension Credit and Council Tax Benefit . So far the project has alredy secured £15,000 in unclaimed benefits.

If you are over 55 and would like someone to check you are claiming all the income you are entitled to please call 01793 491889.