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SOSCA’s vision for Swinton Country Park.

SOSCA revealed its vision for the future at a ‘tea and biscuits consultation meeting’ last month and asked attendees for their views. There were five
coloured A2 maps of proposals and a display board explaining why the fight must go on and why the ‘recreational’ status was so important. The consultation process turned into a semi social event for members who were very positive about the work to date. One member said that this was our land and we should reclaim it! SOSCA also produced a small glossy booklet explaining the ‘general vision’ for Swinton Park, our proposed enhancements and possible funding bodies. These booklets explain our cause to anyone who wants to know what we are about today and are available from the secretary or your Road Rep.

The next Stage

Following on from the public inquiry inspector’s report for the council to finish its audit of greenspace provision, we can report that the council has now done that. Just as we suggested all along, the audit has revealed there to be a large shortfall in greenspace provision throughout Salford when compared to national recommended standards. The council is now in the process of creating a long term plan to develop additional greenspace sites which will reduce this shortfall. The good news is that Swinton Park is identified in the draft plan as one of the proposed sites to be allocated as greenspace. The council’s wider plan is set to be published in January when it will be subject to a public consultation. Clearly, it is important that we all contribute to this consultation to ensure that Swinton Park is turned into a reality.

Fame at Last?! by Tish Wikins

I was so excited! I thought my chance to be a film star had come at last. I had
long harboured this dream of being “spotted” and asked to appear in a television
drama. Any drama would have done but when Granada Television announced they were
filming a special episode of “Cracker” at a house on Thorn Road, this seemed to
be my opportunity. It briefly crossed my mind to wonder – “why not my house?” –
but, you can’t have everything.
I wasn’t selfish about this – on the contrary – I told everyone to smile as they
passed the house – my husband, my daughters, visiting friends, the washing
machine repairman. One neighbour I mentioned it to said he’d thought of taking
his toddler up the road for a ‘scream test’ or was that screen test? (Sorry
Dave!)
It was a cold frosty day but nothing daunted, I put on my best winter coat and
set out for the post box the long way (the very long way) round. As I passed the
cameras I smiled, I flicked back my hair and “talked” on my mobile but to no
avail. Even when I came back in the other direction carrying a very important
looking file I was ignored.
So it seems that my aspiration to be famous has bitten the dust – this time! At
least I get to be in the SOSCA newsletter and that, as they say, is a wrap!
Wanted
Sponsor required for young graffiti street artist in need of a canvas or a piece
of hardboard to practice on, at present using telephone boxes and garage doors.
Interested parties please contact ‘Danny boy’ who may have been seen practicing
at Campbell Road and Enfield Road junction.

Subject: Great Newsletter ! an email from Chris Hargreaves
I would just like to let you know that I really enjoyed reading the latest SOSCA News Letter. Not only is it good news about the inquiry and that all my form filling may have helped to get this decision but I like to hear what is going on in my area and wittily expressed too! Please pass on my congratulations to the team and the budding reporters. If I experience something of interest I will be sure to pass it on.
Editorial staff - Thanks Chris its comments like this that make it worthwhile.
Over to you
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