SWINDON'S Labour Party says it is time to stop defending the past and move on.

Coun David Nash, who took over as Labour leader in June last year, has launched his new vision for Swindon.

He wants the party to focus on its aims for the town rather than just shouting 'no' at Tory plans.

"Instead of just saying no, we can say this is what we think should happen," Coun Nash said.

"Hopefully it will stop us being on the back foot defending the past but instead put us moving towards a vision of the future."

One key policy within the new vision is support for a university campus at the Gateway site but with an emphasis placed on protecting the environment.

The party is proposing a green buffer zone between the edge of Coate Water and the site.

Other policies include the development of 'full service schools' which would become community hubs by giving access to other services like health and social services, campaigning for a referendum on smoking in public places and extending the street warden scheme. The party is also reorganising how its senior councillors work.

Instead of directly shadowing the work of the Conservative administration's lead members, they will have representatives on cross-cutting issues.

These will include education and culture, economic development, environmental protection, the future of Swindon, community development, health and social care, council finances and corporate improvement.

The party put the new vision together after meetings with councillors and the wider party. Now it wants to hear views from other residents.

Deputy leader Coun Barrie Thompson (Lab, Parks) said: "This is the first step in a consultation process that will demonstrate that we're serious about the future of this town.

"The themes embraced by our vision mark clear blue water between ourselves and the Conservatives, whose group put obsessive accounting before community need.

"We now want your views and will listen closely to ensure that Swindon and Labour have a common vision."

The document is available to read on www.swindon.labour.co.uk

Isabel Field