Swindon Advertisers deciding issues for the Election this Thursday (Swindon Liberal Democrats)

Swindon Liberal Democrats <info@swindonlibdems.org>

Swindon Advertisers deciding issues for the Election this Thursday

May 1, 2007 12:01 AM

Cllr Stan Pajak - Leader of the Liberal Democrats

The Swindon Advertiser asked Swindon Liberal Democrat Leader, Cllr Stan Pajak, about the big issues in Swindon that might decide which way residents vote on Thursday 3rd May. Read Stan's responses below:

The Adver on Crime Reduction:

The Liberal Democrats are calling for even more policing on the streets.

Leader Stan Pajak said: "We believe the police should be given extra resources and freed from excessive paperwork to allow not only a greater presence on the streets but more time for intelligence operations to tackle organised drug dealing and crime.

"A greater police presence may help to tackle violent disorder on our streets, but the council has a role to design out' these problems. The present council has designed in' such problems, for example by concentrating so many pubs and clubs at the bottom of town centre, making it a no-go area at night for many of us."

The Adver on Town Regeneration

Liberal Democrat leader Stan Pajak, believes parks and cultural facilities should be provided instead of more shops and offices.

"We support regeneration of the town centre, but feel the Tory council has the priorities wrong in attracting extra shops and offices, where businesses are turning their backs on town centres, and micro-flats which tend towards decay," said Coun Pajak.

"The Lib Dem vision of the town centre is one of open, green spaces, attracting distinctive shops and attracting more arts and culture. What is missing in the regeneration proposals is the restoration of historical builds."

One project the major parties agreed on was the proposed new Science Museum in Wroughton.

Coun Pajak ... backed the plans but warned against delays and adequate transport and infrastructure.

The Adver on Local Education:

The Lib Dems appear to have a balanced view of the situation, and follow that old school report adage - could do better - but agrees that more cash must be pumped into the area from the national funds.

Local Lib Dem leader Stan Pajak said: "If we were to mark the report card for Swindon education, we would say tries hard, but needs improvement'.

"In reality the Government limits the council's influence over education; what we really need is a fairer share of the national pot' for our schools. The council only provides a role in support and planning, but it is even failing in that role.

"The Tory council has been supportive of proposals such as moving Commonweal to the Front Garden and closing successful West Swindon schools, when pupil numbers are increasing.

"The Lib Dems believe in parental choice, but we also believe schools should be located at the heart of the community and that successful schools should be supported."

The Adver on Local Transport

Liberal Democrat leader Stan Pajak has taken a swipe against the Tories for cutting bus services and threatening to close the Wroughton Park and Ride.

The park and ride was saved from the brink of closure in February after the idea caused anger among commuters.

Coun Pajak said: "We cannot tempt visitors and residents out of their cars without providing good public transport. The Tory plans for the town centre would see a reduction in car parking without providing an alternative.

"Residents in parts of Old Town, Town Centre, Penhill, Abbey Meads and Rodbourne are having trouble parking on their own streets. The Lib Dems would stop in-fill development and house splitting where it means residents would not be able to park, while working to increase car parking capacity."