Changes to waste and recycling collections

To help Swindon recycle as much as possible we will be rolling out a number of service changes from August which are explained below. We have also sent everyone an essential guide to waste and recycling in the post but if you have misplaced it, more are available to pick up in your local Swindon… read more

Essential road upgrades will start in October to enable 8,000-home development to go ahead

Major highway improvements designed to facilitate the construction of new housing communities will begin in earnest over the next few months. The schemes are part of a £72m programme of road improvement works which will be taking place over the course of the next few years to ensure vital infrastructure is in place before new… read more

Become a foster carer and change a child’s life

Swindon Borough Council’s hunt for new foster carers continues, with a new campaign being launched this week. The Council is encouraging anyone who has been thinking about fostering, or would like to know more information, to get in touch with its fostering team. There are several different types of fostering, including long-term placements, emergency placements… read more

The rise of the ‘super’ parish council

It has taken nearly half a century, but councillors in Chippenham have again taken charge of recreation and community facilities they were last responsible for in the early 1970s. Read the full news story at localgov.co.uk/The-rise-of-the-super-parish-council/

How to keep dogs safe when temperatures soar

We often complain about the sweltering temperatures as humans, but often forget that our pets also feel the heat. At Drove we often get asked how best to keep your dog safe when temperatures are high. Here are a few hints and tips: walk in the early mornings and evenings when it is slightly cooler…. read more

Scam awareness week launch warns of the heartless scammer

The harrowing tale of a woman, Iris, who sold all her belongings and sent £4,000 to her internet love interest, is being used to warn others of the dangers of scams. Scams Awareness Week, which is being launched on Monday (24 June) by Trading Standards South West’s (TSSW) newly-relaunched ScamWise service, aims to provide everyone… read more

Good Outcome From Inspection

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) is serving its communities well, it has been confirmed in its first inspection from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary & Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS), released today (20 June). HMICFRS has spent the last year analysing data and documents and visiting the Service to assess it against… read more

Important changes to your waste and recycling services are coming

Swindon will take a significant step towards expanding its recycling services by introducing a trial collection of separate food waste recycling. The trial is being introduced as part of the Council’s 10-year waste strategy, which outlines its commitment to protecting the environment and managing the borough’s waste and recycling responsibly, and is one of a… read more

New look for Ridgeway newsletter! Summer 2019

Famous artists, writers and photographers have found inspiration along The Ridgeway, including Paul Nash, Robert Macfarlane, Fay Godwin, Thomas Hardy, Kenneth Grahame, Eric Ravilious, Clare Leighton, Richard Jefferies… Join us for a day of talks, outdoor workshops and an art exhibition in the inspiring setting of St Dunstan’s historic church in Monks Risborough and Whiteleaf… read more

Box sorting campaign comes to a close

Swindon Borough Council’s month-long recycling box sorting push has concluded, but residents are being encouraged to keep up the good work long after the campaign has finished. The campaign was launched in order to increase the number of residents who sort their waste into two or more boxes. The more waste that is sorted in… read more

Swindon’s Heritage Action Zone is officially launched

Swindon Borough Council and Historic England have formally launched the town’s Heritage Action Zone (HAZ). The five-year scheme will bring heritage expertise and £1.6 million of funding from Historic England, who will work with the Council and other partners to revitalise this under-appreciated area of Swindon. The scheme, led by Swindon Borough Council, will see… read more

Swindon is charging ahead with plans for an electric vehicle future

Swindon is planning for an electric future thanks to a new policy for new-build homes that will go out for consultation in July and August. Swindon Borough Council’s Planning Committee approved the borough’s draft Parking Standards 2019 document on Tuesday (11 June) which sets out how new developments should make appropriate provision for the parking… read more

Have A Go At Being An On-Call Firefighter In Swindon

Firefighters in Swindon are giving you the chance to ‘have a go’ at becoming an on-call firefighter at the Fire Station next week. Fire crews will be on station from 10am-2pm on 15th June to encourage local people to become on-call firefighters. Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service needs new on-call recruits to provide… read more

Do You Know A Charlie?

Do you know a CHARLIE? This week (10-16 June) is Carers’ Week, and Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is officially launching its ‘Do you know a CHARLIE’ campaign. More than 6.5 million people in the UK are currently caring, unpaid, for a family member or friend who is older, disabled or seriously ill…. read more

Would you know what to do if there was a fire in your home?

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service offer Free safe and well advice. During a Safe and Well visit we will discuss the risks in your home, agree an escape plan and also fit FREE smoke and heat detectors if your home requires them. For more infomation call 0800 038 2323 or visit dwfire.org.uk

Child Safety Week

The Child Accident Prevention Trust will hold their Child Safety Week from 3rd to 9th June. This year, the week will focus on highlighting new dangers facing families today from our modern lifestyles and offers simple solutions to keep children safe. https://www.capt.org.uk/Pages/Category/child-safety-week Working smoke alarms can help keep you and your family safe from fire…. read more