I’m delighted to have been selected to stand for Labour again in St Margarets Ward.

As indicated elsewhere on this site, I was born and bred in Swindon and attended Moredon and Commonweal schools.  I worked in the Ward most of my life with Pressed Steel and both my children went to Kingsdown School where I also served in the PTA.   Having recently taken early retirement I’m keen to work to improve my community and would be grateful to learn your views on what is needed to help Stratton and Swindon.  I think that Stratton needs tidying up and its road management improved.   With my varied experience in industry,  school,  sport and as a trustee, I believe I can bring a lot to the role of councillor.

My priorities in the ward for 2011 will be:

• Ensuring that Stratton has a greater say in allocation of Section 106 monies (paid by developers) for use IN STRATTON – not for spending elsewhere in town.
• Extending 20mph zones into estates within the Parish
• Improving road and path safety/maintenance in Parish.
• Pushing for more designated ‘green’ spaces within Stratton.
• Fighting any proposals to radically change Stratton St. Margaret Parish boundaries.

In Swindon generally my priorities for 2011 will be

• Reduce rat runs and look at vehicle flows to reduce number of lorries using shortcuts.
• Push to maintain local services including libraries.
• Look at improving cycle routes within Swindon to stop the increase of cyclists using pavements.
• Increase the number of council houses and stop the selling off of existing stock.
• Look at ways of reducing energy costs of council buildings/houses including introducing solar energy and energy generation.

Please contact me with your ideas.

Nigel Chalk, Labour Candidate for St Margaret Ward,  May 2011

Hello – I’m Nigel Chalk and I’m delighted to have been selected to stand for Labour in St Margarets ward.  I’m was born and bred in Swindon and attended Moredon and Commonweal schools.  I started with Pressed Steel in 1969 and spend most of my career in plant maintenance – including introducing the  first computers, running the Salvage Dept and setting up energy management systems on the site.  I also served for 20 years on the factory fire brigade and was TGWU Staff Rep for 10 years.  In 1988 I took up the role of Pensions Trustee.

I move to Statton with my wife Anne in 1980, and both my children went to Kingsdown School where I also served on the PTA and the Youth Enterprise team.  In my leisure time I’m a qualified cricket umpire and swimming timekeeper and my hobbies also include singing, photography, genealogy and walking.

I’m a lifelong member of the Labour Party and have served in many positions, including secretary of the Swindon Young Socialists.  Having recently taken early retirement I’m keen to work to improve my community and would be grateful to learn your views on what is needed to help Stratton and Swindon.  I think that Stratton needs tidying up and its road management improved.  I feel that Grange Drive and Stratton Park should be made 20mph areas.   The complete abandon with which people park is also an issue.  With my varied experience in industry,  school,  sport and as a trustee, I beleive I can bring a lot to the role of councillor.  I stick to what I beleive is right for those I represent.

Nigel Chalk - Labour Candidate on 6th May for St Margaret’s ward