Swindonians want the town centre sorted out and the NHS protected by the next government.
Telling the Adver their priorities about leading up to the General Election on July 4, people in the town centre spoke about both national and local concerns.
Stuart Cox, a cancer patient, understands better than most the importance of the NHS, and has had to pay for some of his treatments.
He said: “I use the health service a lot. It's like a thousand quid for a little tiny bag of stuff and even some of the stuff we've had through the NHS we've had to pay for.
(Image: Newsquest)
His partner, Lisa, said: “We obviously appreciate how expensive it is for the NHS, but it would just be better if there was more money.
She and Stuart were also thinking of their children. She said: “We've had four kids go through schools and seeing the stuff that they lack.
“Just basic things that they need in classrooms. Books, pens, pencils. And teachers.”
She said a replacement maths teacher was not found for her Year 10 daughter for five months due to a national shortage.
The pair also highlighted a need for mental health support for children, because currently “these is nothing”.
They were not alone with the NHS as a top priority leading up to the next government being picked.
Peter Robinson, 84, had a unique perspective.
He said: “I was born before there was an NHS. I remember my mum going to the local doctor and she must have been paying until I was about eight.
(Image: Newsquest)
“The NHS is so special, isn’t it?”
Peter was just returning from Great Western Hospital. The NHS “saved his life several times” after he contracted tuberculosis at 19.
He has not made his mind up about who he is going to vote for.
“I really don’t know. It’s really difficult. I am very concerned almost about the NHS but I don't know who's going to make a difference.”
Like Peter, Dijon Tuck, 27, is also undecided but is leaning toward Reform UK. Like many the Adver met, he expressed frustration with the current state of politics.
He said: “They don't do anything. I don't think either of them will do anything. I don't think Reform will do anything either.
(Image: Newsquest)
“I think all three of them are all talk but when it comes down to it, I'd rather vote for someone different than the same two parties that always win.”
Like others, he wanted more NHS funding. He is asthmatic and must pay for his inhalers.
But his concerns were mainly local. Working in Cirencester and living in Swindon, Dijon regularly compares the two towns.
He said: “Potholes everywhere, crimes are terrible in Swindon - I don’t even like coming out half the time. It’s filthy. Look around, there’s filth everywhere.
“The most important thing for me is to sort out the town centre in Swindon - it’s absolutely shocking.
“When I come from Cirencester which is pristine and clean, bustling with tourists, then I come here - there’s just nothing about. It doesn’t look nice.
“If you’re a tourist you are not going to come to Swindon, are you? To watch a wrapper fly in the wind.”
Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm Thursday, July 4 to vote for your MP. Swindon is divided into Swindon North and Swindon South, each of which has their own MP.
The party with the most winning MPs usually goes on to form a new government, with the party leader being the new Prime Minister.
You can find all the candidates in your area by inputting your address here.
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