Why doesn't Bristol build anything?

[DMR]

Swindon's fine, it's not a shit hole, it's just not Bristol - which is a splendid city.

[4D]

You haven't been to south brizzle then Dave?

[DMR]

That applies to anywhere in the world. Manchester is the coolest city in the UK (except London) but I wouldn't hang around Moss Side.

[Ardiles]

Agree with earlier comments.  There is a big difference between pointless Swindon-bashing/giving abuse and constructive criticism.  Pointing out aspects of the town that could (and should) be improved is healthy, in my view.

The opening post in the 'Swindon Town Centre' thread I started more than 5 years ago, sadly, still holds just as true today as it did then.

TEF (Oct 2008): Swindon Town Centre

I rarely find myself in the centre of Swindon these days - but sometimes walk through on my way from the pub to home games.  What strikes me is how little the place has changed since I left Swindon for the last time nearly 10 years ago.

And this is what I don't understand.  The last 10 years have seen something of an economic boom (albeit one fulled by excessive levels of credit), and neighbouring towns and cities have forged ahead with development plans of their own.  Bristol and Reading, in particular, have improved their centres immeasurably.  Even though I live nearly 20 miles away from Reading, we frequently make the trip there for shopping etc., and I have to say it's rather good.

But Swindon, a similar sized place, isn't even on the same page - and can't understand why.  Why has Swindon stagnated?  How did the boom town of the 1980s become an 'also ran'?  I don't live there any more, but have many friends who do and still have a great affection for the place (not to mention STFC).  So I find it very sad to see the town failing when, surely, it should have moved on so much more than it has.

[Honkytonk]

Yay for another round of Swindon bashing!

OH GOD I DIDN'T MEAN IT TO END UP LIKE THIS WHAT HAVE I DONE

[sonicyouth]

Oooh, Swindon's a shithole

[flammableBen]

I can't wait until a new cinema and a fucking nandos fix the town centre.

[Barry Scott]

It's not really. If it was just people saying "Oooh, Swindon's a shithole" with no basis then fair enough. But look at what Reading, Bristol etc have done in the same time our council have sat on their hands (or pointed fingers at each other) and look at the abject failure to progress our town centre and tell me there isn't a problem there? The town is being allowed to rot through neglect, incompetence and failure of political will. if anything, it's council bashing, not Swindon bashing

This. I don't hate Swindon. But by christ do I fucking despise the council and the way they've neglected the town centre and occasionally spend money on harebrained schemes that only damage it further.

[Arriba]

This. I don't hate Swindon. But by christ do I fucking despise the council and the way they've neglected the town centre and occasionally spend money on harebrained schemes that only damage it further.

Agree with you and PaulD.

[chalkies_shorts]

This. I don't hate Swindon. But by christ do I fucking despise the council and the way they've neglected the town centre and occasionally spend money on harebrained schemes that only damage it further.

Having that loathesome cunt Martin is mayor and the equally loathesome cunt Perkins is around sums up where Swindon are as a town.

[leefer]

yep,also lets not forget they sold the good ol Tabernacle for zilch...spent £360,000 quid on buying it back,just to keep it in storge

Where it still is in slumber.

[Mother Brown]

Having that loathesome cunt Martin is mayor and the equally loathesome cunt Perkins is around sums up where Swindon are as a town.

+1
Remember a while back that the Oasis was going to be revamped(sold) and turn into a top class leisure facillity,including the largest indoor ski slope in Europe 
As an aside.The Deers Leap has been revamped and is quite tidy.
Goes to show that the impossible can be achieved.