If you have been to Highworth over the last few weeks, you won't have failed to notice the “Save Highworth Golf Course” signs across the town and surrounding area in response to plans to build 300 houses on the old golf course.
I know how important the old golf course is to the town - as demonstrated by the 4,500 people who signed a petition to express their concerns and objections to the plans.
When it comes to planning and development, I have always tried to be constructive and pragmatic - I appreciate that there is a need to build new houses to meet demand, but any developments must be reasonable and proportionate.
As I wrote shortly before Christmas, Highworth has had more than its fair share of development, but additional housing at Highworth's old golf course was simply too much.
Last week, councillors Steve Weisinger, Vijay Manro and Alan Bishop successfully put forward an amendment to the Local Plan to remove the site, which was passed at Full Council with the support of the Conservative Group.
I am delighted that the old golf course will not be considered for housing and a new primary school - and will remain solely for leisure use. Going forward, Swindon Borough Council, Highworth Town Council, local councillors, and Highworth residents will work together to find a long-term sustainable plan, which protects the site.
I want to say a huge thank you to the Save Highworth Golf Course group whose fantastic campaign was constructive and engaged throughout.
Yesterday was Holocaust Memorial Day, which is marked on the 27th January every year on the date that allied forces liberated the concentration and extermination camp at Auschwitz-Birkenau during World War Two.
The day is an important opportunity to remember the victims of genocide - not only those who lost their lives during the horrors of the Nazi Holocaust, but other genocides which have happened since then in places such as Cambodia, Rwanda, Darfur and Bosnia.
It is sometimes easy to forget how recent some of these shocking events were – with Bosnia and Rwanda occurring less than 30 years ago, and Darfur occurring as recently as 2003. There are many people alive today who bear the physical and mental scars of such appalling and shocking violence.
We should never forget these dark chapters in our history and must ensure that younger generations learn about, and from, these horrific events. We must remember the victims and listen to the testimony of the survivors. We simply cannot allow such crimes to happen again.
Last week I was lucky enough to be invited to GEL Studios to discover the winner of its charity website competition.
Local web design company GEL Studios ran a competition to donate a bespoke website worth over £5,000 to a not-for-profit organisation, and I was kindly invited to be part of the judging panel. Last week I was delighted to attend GEL Studios to see Swindon Sisters Alliance announced as the lucky winners.
Swindon Sisters Alliance does fantastic work, providing vital support to families who have experienced domestic abuse. The new website will help them highlight the amazing work they do and provide important information on the support they offer. I am sure that local residents will join me in congratulating them and wishing them all the best of luck going forward.
