Promise 16

We will have a new Central Library by 2008 and an effective local library service with flexible opening hours.

Progress

Achieved.

Promise 17

Pupils need a high quality environment to learn. All existing unsuitable temporary buildings in our schools will be replaced.

Progress

This promise is now 97% complete, with the majority of building projects being completed over the summer holiday period 2009. There is now only one unsuitable temporary classroom remaining, which is at Sevenfields Primary School. There is currently a major building project at this school which is on track to complete by December 2009, after which point the remaining temporary classroom will be removed from site and Promise 17 will therefore be complete.

Promise 18

We welcome Bath University’s proposals to build a new and exciting University in Swindon. If the Public Inquiry recommends building the University adjacent to the hospital at Commonhead, we will ensure that the special character of Coate Water is protected.

Progress

Achieved.

Promise 19

We will work, with our partners, to complete the restoration of Lydiard Park and enhance its facilities.

Progress

The project will be completed in December 2009.

A final monitoring meeting with the Heritage Lottery Fund was held on 7 September 2009 and a revised 10-year Management, Maintenance and Business Plan was submitted at the end of September 2009. The final budget position will be submitted at the end of November 2009 in readiness for sign-off at the end of December 2009.

Promise 20A

Our secondary schools will ensure that over 86% of young people achieve 5 A* to G GCSEs in 2006.

Progress

Achieved.

Promise 20B

Our primary schools will ensure that 80% or more of our children achieve Level 4 at Key Stage 2 in English and maths in 2006.

Progress

Achieved.

Promise 21

We will introduce a Sports Council in 2006 that works with local, regional and national sports organisations to establish Swindon as a centre of sports excellence.

Progress

Achieved.

Promise 22

We will revitalise our sports and leisure facilities in particular bring forward plans to replace or modernise the Oasis and Link centre.

Progress

Achieved.

Promise 23

We will continue our commitment to the 30-year vision for the Great Western Community Forest, continuing with partners to deliver a woodland framework for Swindon. In Shaw Community Forest, landscape restoration will continue and the first phase will be available for community use during 2005 with later phases completed for use during 2008.

Progress

Phases 1 and 2 of the restoration of Shaw Park Forest are complete, with 80,000 trees planted, much of the site restored and available for public use.

Completion of Phase 3 is very much dependent on external market forces, in particular the housing market, as the fill required for capping the tip is a bi-product of development. We are still on target to make the area available for public use, by way of a peripheral footpath planned for 1 November 2009.

Promise 24

We will provide an enhanced youth service that is responsive to young people. By 2006, at least 25% of young people will be in contact with the service and Ofsted inspectors will judge it ‘good’ by 2008.

Progress

Achieved.

Promise 25

We value the importance of our rural environment and will improve access to the countryside by ensuring that 90% of rural footpaths and cycle ways reach the Government standard of ‘easy to use’.

Progress

A Rights of Way Improvement Plan has been developed and schemes have been identified and programmed accordingly to ensure delivery of the Promise. We are due to commence the final phase of the Watery Lane project (which connects Castle Eaton with Hannington Wick) shortly; Environment Agency approval has been obtained and an order has now been raised for these works.  

A programme of replacement signage has been developed and signage for Blunsdon, Hannington, Highworth and Bishopstone has now been delivered and is ready to be erected.  

Work on updating the Rights of Way web page is still ongoing and we are awaiting confirmation from ICT to upload the first pages of the digitised definitive map.

The half-year indicator for routes that are easy to use was 95.9% (this figure will be adjusted by the final year survey figure due to be taken in November 2009) and we are therefore on target to meet this promise.

Promise 26

We will find a permanent home in the town centre for Swindon Dance as part of the regeneration process.

Progress

Achieved.

Promise 27

We will find a new home to exhibit Swindon’s modern art collection, and will rehouse our museum collections.

Progress

Barker Langham Consultancy have been commissioned to undertake a feasibility report looking at options for storage of the museum and art collections. This report is now under consideration by senior officers, the Lead Member and Leader.

Promise 28

We will open seven new, state of the art schools in the north of the borough.

Progress

Achieved.