'It's a winner,' is lorry driver's verdict on survey (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

'It's a winner,' is lorry driver's verdict on survey

76227-26A RODBOURNE lorry driver is delighted he took part in the Your Swindon Your Verdict survey.

The Evening Advertiser conducted the major survey at the end of last year and this month we have been publishing the results.

We offered £100 to one lucky reader who sent in the completed entry form.

Roger Atkin, a 47-year-old long-distance lorry driver, was born in Birmingham but he has lived in Swindon for 22 years, so he was well placed to give his views on the town.

He said: "I'm absolutely delighted with the prize.

"The survey was a very good idea.

"Anything that takes in the views of local residents has to be a good thing.

"I'm a great believer in the importance of grass-roots opinion."

His views on many issues are very representative of the overall results of our survey.

We found that 63 per cent of people, including Mr Atkin, believe more bobbies on the beat would be the single most effective way to make Swindon safer.

He said: "I can't remember the last time I saw one in Rodbourne.

"You see them whizzing about in cars, but I think policemen walking about is a deterrent."