Kind-hearted Swindonians have written more than 100 letters, cards and pictures to people who live in care homes and who may be feeling lonely and isolated during this difficult time. The initiative, called Care Mail, was organised by Swindon Borough Council who asked residents to reach out to those living in care homes by writing… read more
The team at Swindon Museum and Art Gallery have launched a new project aimed at capturing people’s memories during the coronavirus pandemic. Your Memory Box is something the whole family can get involved in, providing a permanent reminder in the years to come of the lockdown period. A memory box is a ‘time capsule’… read more
Further to my letter in May, I wanted to advise that resurfacing work along the M4 between junctions 12 and 15 is ongoing and progressing well. In July we have the first of our weekend closures along the M4. These are required as some sections of resurfacing will replace all layers down to the foundations…. read more
Latest Government Updates From Saturday (13 June) you will be able to: Adults living alone, or single parents with children under 18 – can form a support bubble with one other household. All those in the bubble will be able to act as if they live in the same household. This does not apply to those… read more
Eligible firms in Swindon are now able to apply for the Discretionary Grant Fund provided by the Government in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The funding will allow some small businesses in the town who have not previously been eligible for other government grant schemes to access critical support. The Government has advised that the… read more
Working Age people claiming council tax support in Swindon are eligible for a further one-off grant following additional funding from the Government. Swindon Borough Council has been allocated just over £1.3m in funding from the Government to help working age council tax claimants who are struggling as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Government… read more
Members of Wiltshire and Swindon Local Resilience Forum have marked National Volunteers’ Week by paying tribute Members of Wiltshire and Swindon Local Resilience Forum have marked National Volunteers’ Week by paying tribute to all those who have given their time and expertise for free during the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hundreds of people across… read more
You can view the latest Brighter Futures newsletter, including details of the Covid-19 support appeal, from the link below. Brighter Futures newsletter
We want to welcome Andy Rogers as a Parish Councillor. Andy lives in Hodson with his family and has a background in medicinal products and devices. He hopes to contribute towards the improvement of the parish while maintaining its rural nature. Also, he aims to protect the green space within and around the parish as… read more
Citizens Advice write: …we need new volunteers now more than ever to cope with the demand on our now predominantly telephone and email based service and for when we eventually return to our office as this demand is unlikely to lessen anytime soon. It is also a great opportunity for people to learn new skills… read more
Swindon’s iconic railway museum will celebrate its 20th anniversary this month. Staff at STEAM are marking this important milestone with a look back at the early days of the museum and some of its many highlights from the last two decades. The museum is currently closed due to COVID-19. When it re-opens, however, visitors will… read more
Ward Cllrs have confirmed that as of today (11th June 2020) that there has been no formal offer of the Chiseldon Firs traveller site to travellers currently residing in Tadpole Garden Village. We will provide updates if this situation changes
Wiltshire Neighbourhood Watch Association Neighbourhood Watch Week 7-13th June 2020 We have seen a surge in neighbourliness as people look out for the vulnerable and talk to their neighbours more than ever – a silver lining to the cloud COVID-19 has cast over our daily lives. In recognition of such a magnificent response, the theme of… read more
People in Swindon are being encouraged to get active, set their own challenges and donate to the Wiltshire and Swindon Coronavirus Response Appeal. Swindon Borough Council is asking residents to support Wiltshire Community Foundation’s coronavirus appeal after its own staff took up the challenge last month. Since 10 May, council staff have been taking part… read more
Please follow the link to see the latest information from Swindon Libraries and Information Services. Swindon Libraries Issue 45 – June 2020
The Harbour Project for Swindon Refugees and Asylum Seekers receives the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS). This group based in Swindon have been honoured with a QAVS, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK. HM The Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Mrs Sarah Troughton was delighted to learn that The Harbour… read more
Teams across the Council are working hard to make sure safety measures are in place to allow more shops to re-open from next Monday (15 June). In line with government guidance, preparations are being made to enable the re-opening of more retailers which have been closed during the pandemic. Following the Government’s announcement that non-essential… read more
COVID-19 Support Appeal Update We would like to say a big thank you to everybody who has supported us during the last six weeks during these unprecedented times. So far donations to our COVID-19 Support Appeal has reached £73,219.52. This includes a grant from NHS Charities together of £35,000 which we have gratefully received. Not… read more
Local projects could form part of a £25m Government-funded investment plan for Swindon. Swindon was one of 101 places given the opportunity last year by the Government to bid for funding of up to £25 million as part of the Government’s £3.6 billion Towns Fund. In line with the Government process, the Council has brought… read more