tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376062892012-05-27T07:59:10.490+01:00The Swindon Blog. For Small-Town Scandal. Keeping Swindon mis-informed, if it's Swindon Centred, it's Swindon Centric. - An XXtraordinary Blogger Award winner.Swindoncentricnoreply@blogger.comBlogger765125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37606289.post-52371356623821348972012-05-12T17:22:00.004+01:002012-05-12T17:34:14.817+01:00

Click here for the original at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.10. He has the charm of a Lib Dem front-bencher.9. Wearing pink socks does not make you wild.8. She stared the entire time, never seen somebody that thin before.7. I'll buy you a coffee, I haven't the money for a tequila shot.6. Can you get blue tomatoes?5. You have a smaller interest in

Swindoncentricnoreply@blogger.com0http://swindoncentric.blogspot.com/2012/05/top-ten-things-overheard-on-swindons.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37606289.post-84997885039301420862012-05-12T16:43:00.011+01:002012-05-12T17:18:07.174+01:00

The stateside version of this, with some variances, covered on MSNBC's The Rachel Maddow ShowIf your streetlights have been broken for an age and the graffiti on your walls has now got moss growing on it, it could because of Swindon Councillors subscribing to the 'Shock Doctrine'.The theory by-which governments push through major neo-conservative policies (privatisation, liberalisation of

Swindoncentricnoreply@blogger.com0http://swindoncentric.blogspot.com/2012/05/swindons-very-own-shock-doctrine.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37606289.post-1086189593880538942012-05-12T16:29:00.006+01:002012-05-12T16:38:51.351+01:00

Is giving a private company Swindon's Oasis Leisure Centre, in return for it's refurbishment and substantial expansion the only option, or an austerity-cloaked privatisation?The plan for a Snowdome at the Oasis North Star area is not new and the fact it's reached this far is great news. But is the part of the deal that the company concerned, Morai Capital Investments, will be allowed to build

Swindoncentricnoreply@blogger.com0http://swindoncentric.blogspot.com/2012/05/swindon-gives-away-crown-jewels_12.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37606289.post-9024610459967485632012-05-12T12:12:00.001+01:002012-05-12T12:15:06.222+01:00

 How strange it would be if the Queen was to vote in a Commons or Lords situation, shaking the foundations of the system. On a local level, that's about to happen in Swindon. The Conservative Group have a majority of one in the recent local council elections, which means in the event of a tie, the Mayor (which is largely a ceremonial position, despite the selected mayor being an elected

Swindoncentricnoreply@blogger.com1http://swindoncentric.blogspot.com/2012/05/mayor-of-simpleton.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37606289.post-77038498038810318592012-03-23T08:35:00.003Z2012-03-23T08:47:02.523Z

The boss of Swindon Borough Council-funded Digital City was paid £82,000 for 'coaching fees' during his tenure. The news is in today's Swindon Advertiser, a link to come later.The company was set up to provide Borough-wide Wi-Fi access through an initial £400,000 loan from Swindon Borough Council.The company failed to meet a single target and is dead in the water.Swindon Centric Says ; Disgusting

Swindoncentricnoreply@blogger.com0http://swindoncentric.blogspot.com/2012/03/wi-failed-digital-city-boss-paid-82000.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37606289.post-79112457528833870232012-03-22T22:17:00.006Z2012-03-22T22:27:09.638Z

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

Swindoncentricnoreply@blogger.com1http://swindoncentric.blogspot.com/2012/03/swindon-council-slash-burn-land.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37606289.post-76525252063096338002012-03-22T21:49:00.004Z2012-03-22T22:09:00.623Z

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,

Swindoncentricnoreply@blogger.com0http://swindoncentric.blogspot.com/2012/03/battle-for-coate-is-lost.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37606289.post-7643258563519532072012-03-19T22:21:00.003Z2012-03-19T22:28:49.437Z

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!

Swindoncentricnoreply@blogger.com0http://swindoncentric.blogspot.com/2012/03/perkins-park-2-election-blow-out.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37606289.post-63067722760014653942012-03-19T22:00:00.005Z2012-03-19T22:12:17.621Z

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

Swindoncentricnoreply@blogger.com0http://swindoncentric.blogspot.com/2012/03/bus-reinstatement-buys-extra-time.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37606289.post-64584569881953127652012-03-19T21:44:00.003Z2012-03-19T21:52:04.681Z

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

Swindoncentricnoreply@blogger.com0http://swindoncentric.blogspot.com/2012/03/swindon-election-councillors-start-self.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37606289.post-78078365484810545422012-03-19T21:29:00.003Z2012-03-19T21:43:16.396Z

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

Swindoncentricnoreply@blogger.com0http://swindoncentric.blogspot.com/2012/03/swindon-elections-midsomer-murders.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37606289.post-2277699601572625262012-03-19T20:35:00.007Z2012-03-19T21:23:05.902Z

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

Swindoncentricnoreply@blogger.com0http://swindoncentric.blogspot.com/2012/03/swindon-elections-your-bandwagon-is.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37606289.post-37232821284898553452012-03-18T21:38:00.003Z2012-03-18T22:00:25.552Z

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

Swindoncentricnoreply@blogger.com0http://swindoncentric.blogspot.com/2012/03/top-ten-things-overheard-on-swindons_9517.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37606289.post-66324972511432925532012-03-18T21:26:00.004Z2012-03-18T21:36:03.036Z

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

Swindoncentricnoreply@blogger.com0http://swindoncentric.blogspot.com/2012/03/top-ten-things-overheard-on-swindons_577.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37606289.post-53727707517178170572012-03-18T20:57:00.005Z2012-03-18T21:17:46.515Z

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

Swindoncentricnoreply@blogger.com0http://swindoncentric.blogspot.com/2012/03/last-waltz-at-locarno.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37606289.post-6479558640789084932012-03-18T13:29:00.003Z2012-03-18T13:40:04.080Z

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

Swindoncentricnoreply@blogger.com0http://swindoncentric.blogspot.com/2012/03/top-ten-things-overheard-on-swindons_553.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37606289.post-8970177011935628362012-03-18T13:17:00.003Z2012-03-18T13:26:43.738Z

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,

Swindoncentricnoreply@blogger.com0http://swindoncentric.blogspot.com/2012/03/top-ten-things-overheard-on-swindons_18.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37606289.post-44177167831101887182012-03-03T22:22:00.003Z2012-03-03T22:28:04.687Z

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

Swindoncentricnoreply@blogger.com0http://swindoncentric.blogspot.com/2012/03/top-ten-things-overheard-on-swindons.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37606289.post-86184168329346922712012-01-29T16:42:00.003Z2012-01-29T16:55:31.476Z

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

Swindoncentricnoreply@blogger.com0http://swindoncentric.blogspot.com/2012/01/top-ten-things-overheard-on-swindons_6527.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37606289.post-81410052590946235692012-01-29T16:19:00.003Z2012-01-29T16:38:44.743Z

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

Swindoncentricnoreply@blogger.com0http://swindoncentric.blogspot.com/2012/01/top-ten-things-overheard-on-swindons_163.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37606289.post-66469996950670656512012-01-29T15:54:00.003Z2012-01-29T16:18:54.885Z

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

Swindoncentricnoreply@blogger.com0http://swindoncentric.blogspot.com/2012/01/top-ten-things-overheard-on-swindons_8660.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37606289.post-36069360628441161392012-01-29T15:38:00.004Z2012-01-29T15:48:38.810Z

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

Swindoncentricnoreply@blogger.com0http://swindoncentric.blogspot.com/2012/01/top-ten-things-overheard-on-swindons_29.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37606289.post-27593735672005660022012-01-02T16:00:00.003Z2012-01-02T16:10:27.266Z

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

Swindoncentricnoreply@blogger.com1http://swindoncentric.blogspot.com/2012/01/top-ten-things-overheard-on-swindons.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37606289.post-43821042347305743312012-01-02T14:48:00.006Z2012-01-02T15:37:31.496Z

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

Swindoncentricnoreply@blogger.com0http://swindoncentric.blogspot.com/2012/01/wi-failed-policy-spun-on-north-swindon.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37606289.post-26684282581968122392011-12-31T17:06:00.004Z2011-12-31T17:17:55.622Z

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

Swindoncentricnoreply@blogger.com0http://swindoncentric.blogspot.com/2011/12/public-service-commitment-from-private.html