Talk to save speedway

Reading Alun Rossiter's comments to the speedway press recently of his hopes that the owners Gaming International will reverse the decision of no speedway at the Abbey Stadium, he echoes all the hopes of all Robins supporters.

Their decision was disappointing and baffling to say the least. These were the same people who in 2021 promised Swindon one of the best speedway venues in the country. Their artist's impression of how the stadium would look was an eye-opener.

Therefore I would like to see Swindon Borough Council, the Robins management and local MP Justin Tomlinson seek talks with Clarke Osborne of Gaming International to think again about their decision.

It would be a tragic loss to many supporters who have enjoyed a great family sport for many years if speedway is lost in Swindon.

M Murray

Blunsdon

Good Samaritans

On Wednesday May 24 at 10.15/10.30am close to the junction of Victoria Road and Prospect Place I suffered a medical incident.

While my wife went to fetch the car two young passers-by stayed with me and then helped me to the car and made sure I was comfortable.

In the heat of the moment I never got their names, but through your newspaper I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks to these two Samaritans.

Name and address supplied

Holiday risk to children

More children are at risk of sexual and criminal exploitation this summer as families struggle to afford activities during the school holidays and children spend more time on-line.

Barnardo’s recently polled just over 700 children and 1,000 parents across Great Britain. We found that due to the ongoing cost of living crisis, almost half of those parents said they would struggle to afford family holidays and days out. One in five said they wouldn’t be able to afford time off work to spend with their children.

Seven out of 10 children surveyed said they will spend more time online during the school holidays with eight per cent planning to meet with people they have met online.

One in 10 children we asked, said they worry about not having anywhere safe to go in their neighbourhood this summer, while the same number said they fear unwanted contact from criminal gangs.

The holidays can trap some children in harmful situations. With the cost-of-living crisis continuing to push families into poverty, we fear that even more children will be vulnerable to sexual and criminal exploitation and its long-term impacts.

It’s vital that victims receive urgent, specialist support to help them recover. But too many are being failed by a lack of specialist support.

Last year, Barnardo’s supported more than 6,000 children through our child abuse and exploitation services, but we know there are many more who desperately need help. The Government must invest in nationwide access to help, such as therapy and counselling, so that all children experiencing abuse and exploitation have the best possible chance to recover and rebuild their lives.

Please ask the Government to ensure that no child is left without specialist support by signing our petition here - Barnardo's campaign or visit our website www.barnardos.org.uk.

Sarah Crawley,

Director,

Barnardo’s Cymru & South West