If the councillors and a body of people,
whether in joint enterprise or by disparate commonality, want to ambush
ordinary Oakhurst residents and ORA then let them carry on. We in Oakhurst know that the Association does
not have a political agenda. We had no
influence in the council chamber. We
could not have a vote in what happened and ORA were only allowed three minutes
to give their point of view.
So why is a little residents association that
takes on the might of the ruling party being treated in such a way? The story of David and Goliath is well known
to people and if Oakhurst has to play the part of the former rather than the
latter it is not a position we relish.
Our aim in this campaign has always been against
the inappropriate development of Tadpole Farm.
Our position has always been clear.
We want to see new roads such as the Purton/Iffley Road link and a northern
spine road. We all know the pressing need for additional primary school places in North Swindon but more
worryingly plans for secondary provision are woefully lacking too.
When this is balanced against the local councillors’ desire for a community centre in Redhouse, ORA are even more
concerned that the same effort has not been applied to secure the necessary
infrastructure in the Oakhurst area.
It is outrageous that councillors think that they
can concrete over Oakhurst Way and scandalous that it is so easily spoken about
as a general subject in North Swindon and at meetings.
We are not being political as we know that
politicians from the main parties are in favour of the principle of developing Swindon.
However, what politicians need to understand is that their favour for
development must not ride roughshod over this community’s favour for proper and
adequate schools, roads and the right to a private life that is not disturbed
by the imposition of a traffic route.
Be advised that various meetings are taking
place with politicians over the next week and if you would like any representations
made you can contact the Chairman, Paul Exell, directly on 01793 703276, email:
paul.exell@rwe.com or go to the
meetings and voice your opinion on the development or your objection.
