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Haydon Wick Parish Council News

Pride of Swindon Awards 2013 PRIDE OF SWINDON AWARDS 2013

The Pride of Swindon Awards honours the extraordinary personal commitment the people of Swindon give to their local community.

Congratulations to Councillor Michael Whelan who was recently awarded the Pride of Swindon Award, Volunteer Walk Leader, Swindon Health Walks.




Environment Agency

REDUCING FLOOD RISK IN HAYDON WICK – APRIL 2013

The piling works
We have installed over 3,700 sheet piles along 2km of the brook and are pleased to announce that the sheet piling works are now complete. This means that from now on, the work on the Flood Alleviation Scheme will be less disruptive.

Footpaths and finishes
The footpaths along the brook will re-open to the public over the coming months. The coloured plans in all the affected areas will show when the paths will re-open. A larger version is available upon request. We are still completing the finishing touches to the wall. This includes the brickwork cladding and capping. This will be completed over the next three months.

Re-planting the Brook
We have started work on re-landscaping the brook and are working with local residents to ensure any affected gardens are restored to a high standard.

How we are protecting you and the environment
Our ecological specialist is continuing to monitor the work to make sure it is sensitive to local habitats and wildlife. The design of the new wall through the woodland has been carefully designed to be as sympathetic as possible to the surroundings. A Swindon Borough Council Tree Officer recently gave our on site operators a glowing report due to the care they took around the trees in the ancient woodland.

Flood Risk - Haydon Wick

The benefits of reducing flood risk
The recent heavy rainfall is a reminder of the importance of this scheme. We will continue to ensure there is no additional flood risk while our work is in progress. When the scheme is complete it will reduce the risk of river flooding to 118 residential properties, four commercial properties and an electricity sub-station.

We appreciate your on–going patience whilst we complete these important works.

Where can I find out more?

Please sign up for our flood warning service by calling Floodline on 0845 988 1188

CALLING ALL WALKERS!
GET WALKING DAY - LYDIARD PARK - SATURDAY 4TH MAY

13 March 2013: Step out with this sociable three-mile guided walk around the spring flowers at Lydiard Park to kick off 'Get Walking Week' and 'Swindon's Walking Festival Month' this May

Visit our stalls to pick up tips and advice on getting more active and ways to be healthier, as well as information about local walking groups and routes.

Collect a free pedometer to count your steps and the calories you’ve burned when you walk with the group.*

Walk starts at 11.00am. Meet at the visitors centre/cafe.

To find out more, call Amanda on 01793 465413.

Visit www.swindontravelchoices.org.uk for more on walking and active travel.

Or go to www.leisureinswindon.co.uk for more on walking groups and healthy lifestyles.

*(one pedometer per walker and subject to availability)

PROSPECT HOSPICE, PROSPECT BOX SCHEME – MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR SMALL CHANGE

12 December 2012: Prospect Hospice is urging people with just a small amount of free time to support its box collection scheme for a few hours twice a year.

The box scheme, which is supported by almost 10,000 households and businesses, has been in place for almost as long as the charity has provided dedicated end-of-life care to the people of Swindon and beyond. Its success is largely dependent on the involvement of box collectors who, in spring and autumn, call at the homes of friends and neighbours to collect the money they have accumulated in their boxes.

“It's a very simple scheme, but one that has been of enormous value to Prospect Hospice over the years,” says Gifty Tawiah, Prospect's boxes fundraiser. “The great thing is that it means people can contribute towards the work of their local hospice over time, just by putting their loose change in their own box. With many people across the community doing this, it makes a huge difference to the care we are able to deliver locally. Last year, boxes in homes and local businesses contributed over £90,000 towards the care of patients and their families in our community.”

Integral to the success of the scheme are people who bring in the boxes each spring and autumn. To ensure its continuing success, Gifty is looking for more of these box collectors to support the scheme in new neighbourhoods and to cover rounds no longer supported by a collector. Since joining the fundraising team at Prospect Hospice earlier this year, Gifty has had some success in recruiting new box collectors, among them Mandy Hooper of Old Town: “It doesn't take too much commitment to collect the boxes on my round twice a year,” she says, “and it has been nice to meet new people in my neighbourhood through it.”

John Goddard of Chiseldon took over a collection round after the retirement of a long-standing collector in the village: “I went to a presentation Gifty made at the Hospice and I felt it was something I would be able to do, and it's good to be part of a scheme. Whether it's just small change or some of the larger amounts people have given, it's good to know that it really does make a difference. “

Christina Webb of Stratton took over her auntie's round when she moved to another town: “I always had a Prospect box, and I didn't mind taking over,” she says. “It's supports a charity that I think does really good work and, for me, if feels good to be doing something that's not too demanding on my time, but does good in our local community.”

If you are interested in becoming a box collector for Prospect Hospice, email Gifty at giftytawiah@prospect-hospice.net or call her on 01793 816161.

HAYDON WICK FLOOD ALLEVIATION WORKS UPDATE

5 December 2012: The Environment Agency December Newsletter includes the following information:

The piling works: Almost 1 kilometre of the steel piling work has been installed. This means nearly half the main part of the flood alleviation scheme is complete.

In Spring 20213 the footpaths along the brook will re-open to the public. The re-planting along the brook will quickly start to bring the wildlife back to the brook.

Permission has been given by Swindon Borough Council to remove more trees along the brook to enable the EA to safely drive the sheet piles into harder ground

The EA ecological specialist is monitoring the works to make sure they are sensitive to local habitats and wildlife.

Christmas Period: The site will be closed for Christmas on 21 December and start gai on 2 January 2013. If there are any concerns during this time the public are asked to telephone the incident helpline on 0800 807060.

The recent heavy rainfall is a reminder of the importance of this project

More information is available at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/haydonwick or Steven Lee 01491 828665

CONSULTATION ON SCHOOLS IN NORTH SWINDON

12 November 2012: Swindon Borough Council has issues the following statement:

The planned consultation events have had to be postponed for technical reasons.

The consultation events were scheduled to take place on Monday 12th at the Tawny Owl pub and Tuesday 13th at Orchid Vale School.

The July 2012 Cabinet report about the need for Primary school places in North Swindon stated that the land proposed for a new school was not within the boundary of Mouldon Hill Country Park. Unfortunately, this was an error, as further research has shown the land to be within the Park albeit at the periphery and in an area not often frequented by members of the public. Cabinet took a decision to approve consultation but there was inaccurate information included in the report. The Council therefore has to postpone the consultation in the light of this new information. Officers will work on further options and take proposals back to Cabinet in December, so that we can re-start consultation on options as soon as possible thereafter.

I would like to apologise for the inconvenience and difficulties caused by the need to postpone the consultation. The need for primary school places in North Swindon remains a priority and officers will work to ensure the Council can deliver the required number of places by September 2014.

ENVIRONMENT AGENCY FLOOD ALLEVIATION WORKS UPDATE

25 October 2012: The latest EA newsletter to update you on the construction of the Haydon Wick Flood Alleviation Scheme. Good progress has been made and over a quarter of the piling work is now complete. In order to maintain this progress and manage the difficult ground conditions, the EA is now using a larger pile-driving crane. To allow access for the crane to drive the steel piles into the ground, the EA needs to remove approximately 40 trees from the channel bank. This is necessary on some areas behind Chatsworth Road, Windflower Road, Osterley Road, Capesthorne Drive and Cloudberry Road.

This will mean a short-term loss of natural tree screening between some areas of housing. When the work is complete, the trees that have been removed will be replaced. The EA will not be removing any trees in the ancient woodland.

Residents directly affected have been written to and the EA is also holding a drop in session at their site offices in Lady Lane on Thursday 1 November, 4-7pm to give the local residents an opportunity to talk to ecology and landscape experts.

UPDATE ON BUS SERVICE ARRAGNEMENTS DURING CLOSURE OF THAMES AVENUE

18 October 2012: Thamesdown Transport has now arranged to provide a reduced service during Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm, using a smaller bus. The bus route will be along Severn Avenue, Dart Avenue then through to the Rodbourne Arms and St Mary's Church. Passengers will need to change at the Rodbourne stops to travel in to the town centre and the hospital. There will be one charge with no additional charge for changing bus.

THAMESDOWN TRANSPORT BUS SERVICE ARRANGEMENTS DURING CLOSURE OF THAMES AVENUE

15 October 2012: Thamesdown Transport is unable to provide a service through Thames Avenue during the road closure period 26 October to 4 November. Buses will travel along Moredon Road, The Street, Haydonleigh Drive and Westfield Way. Number 11 & 24 services will be available from the bus stop adjacent to Morrison's in Westfield Way. Number 11 service will be available from the Rodbourne Arms and Number 24 service will be available from The Groves bus stop on Whitworth Road.

ROAD CLOSURE: OLD BLUNSDON ROAD 15 OCTOBER - 21 DECEMBER 2012

11 October 2012: Swindon Borough Council has issued a temporary closure notice for a short section of Old Blunsdon Road from the foot/cycle way leading to Pope Close to the foot/cycle way leading to Chatsworth Road to allow for construction of a flood defence. The route will be open to cyclists and pedestrians.

ROAD CLOSURE: THAMES AVENUE 26 OCTOBER – 4 NOVEMBER 2012

11 October 2012: Removal of build outs & install speed table near to school. Between Dart Avenue and Trent Road. Closure - 26/10 to 4/11. Half term. Diversion via Severn Avenue & Dart Avenue.

POLICE: RELAUNCH OF THE 101 NON-EMERGENCY NUMBER

8 October 2012: The 101 non-emergency number was launched in Wiltshire last September (2011) as part of the national roll-out.

Our 0845 408 7000 contact number has been running alongside this number with approximately 40% of calls still coming in via this route, however, 0845 408 7000 ceased operation on 30 September 2012.

When should callers use 101?

The 101 national number gives local communities an easy way to contact police - when it's less urgent than 999.

In a non-emergency dial 101 if:

It is important to reiterate that 999 is still the number when you want to contact the police in an emergency, such as:

How does 101 work?

101 will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

When someone calls 101, they will hear a recorded message announcing that they are being connected to their local police force. The system will determine the caller's location and connect them to the relevant police force.

If a caller is on a boundary between two or more forces, the recorded message will give them a choice of which force to be connected to.

After a pause of approximately four seconds, the message will also give the caller the option to select an alternative police force of their choice via an operator.

What will happen to the current 0845 408 7000 number?

The 0845 number ceased on 30 September 2012. A recorded message asks people to re-dial 101.

Can people who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired, use 101?

People who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired can text-phone 18001 101.

In an emergency, you can text 80999 from any phone.

Is it more expensive for the public to contact the police on 101?

Individual telephony companies currently decide on the cost of dialling an 0845 number so it depends on the contract/supplier opted for.

With 101 it has been nationally agreed that a flat rate of 15p will be charged whether a member of the public is calling from a landline or mobile, irrespective of how long their call lasts.

HAYDON CENTRE OPEN DAY

5 September 2012: There is something for everyone to enjoy at the Haydon Centre Open Day on Sunday 7th October, 10:00am - 4:30pm.

From adults and children to young people and grandparents the open day is a great way to bring people together, find out what's happening in your local leisure centre and make new friends in your community.

There will be promotions, information stands, martial arts demonstrations and activity taster sessions running throughout the day and you can try as many as you like for free! These include zumba, circuits, trampolining, badminton, dance, face painting, balloon modeling, martial arts demonstrations and lots, lots more.

For more information call the Haydon Centre on 01793 706666 or visit www.challengeswindon.org.uk

VACANCY: CLERK/RESPONSIBLE FINANCIAL OFFICER

22 August 2012: Applications are invited for the post of Clerk/Responsible Financial Officer.

The Clerk will be responsible for managing the day to day business of the council, including the production of agendas and minutes for all council meetings and committees, liaising with outside bodies, as well as providing advice and implementing the council's decisions. They will also act as the council's Financial Officer keeping the council's financial records and preparing budgets.

The successful applicant will have relevant financial skills and be computer literate. Excellent communication and organisation skills are essential. The applicant should exhibit tact, diplomacy and flexibility when dealing with members of the public and other bodies. A knowledge of local government is highly desirable, as would be an appreciation of local issues.

Applicants should already hold the Certificate in Local Council Administration (CilCA) or equivalent qualification in Local Government practice, or working towards this qualification.

35 hours per week including 3 hours evening work

National Salary Award (SCP 30-34) £25,472 - £28,636 per annum pro rata

Depending on qualifications and experience

An application pack is available from Haydon Wick Parish Council, Council Offices, Thames Avenue, Haydon Wick, Swindon Wilts. Telephone number (01793) 722446 or email clerk@haydonwick.gov.uk

Closing date for applications is 21 September 2012 with interviews being held week commencing 1 October 2012.

NOTICE OF CONCLUSION OF THE AUDIT AND RIGHT TO INSPECT THE ANNUAL RETURN ANNUAL RETURN FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2012

Section 14 of the Audit Commission Act 1998

The Accounts and Audit Regulations 2011 (SI 2011/817)

8 August 2012: The audit of accounts for the Parish Council for the year ended 31 March 2012 has been concluded. The Annual Return is available for inspection by any local government elector of the Parish on application to:

Susan Martin: Clerk to the Council and Responsible Financial Officer
Council Offices
Thames Avenue
Haydon Wick
SWINDON
SN25 1QQ

Between the hours of 9am and 4pm on Mondays to Fridays (excluding public holidays), when any local government elector may make copies of the Annual Return.

Copies will be provided to any local government elector on payment of

30 pence for each copy of the Annual Return.

Announcement made by: Susan Martin

(Clerk to Council/Responsible Financial Officer)

ENVIRONMENT AGENCY FLOOD ALLEVIATION WORKS HAYDON WICK

17 July 2012: The EA plans to start mobilising construction equipment on 30 July 2012 in advance of the flood alleviation scheme being built.

Their contractor, Galliford Try, will work with residents to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum. Due to the nature of the works, the EA hope to only be in any one location for short periods of time. The flood alleviation scheme is planned to be complete during Spring 2013.

The EA local site team will make themselves known to residents and advise them in advance before works commencing at each property.

Due to the restricted access along the footpaths and bridleways, we will be installing temporary works to facilitate the use of heavy construction equipment. This work will cause some noise, vibration and disruption but this will be closely monitored and kept within reasonable limits.

The EA will continue to provide updates on the scheme via our website and the Parish Council:

http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/124785.aspx

NORTH SWINDON LOCALITY MEETING 7 JUNE 2012

6 June 2012: The North Locality meeting will be held on Thursday 7 June at Haydon Wick Parish Council Offices, 7pm. This meeting is open to all residents of North Swindon.

OLYMPIC TORCH RELAY

18 May 2012: The Olympic Torch Relay will be coming to Swindon next week. If you would like to find out more information about this, please visit: www.london2012.com/olympic-torch-relay along with some of the inspirational stories surrounding the Torchbearers. There are lots of activities taking place across the town. You can also keep up to date on all things Olympics on Swindon Borough Council dedicated Facebook page.

The Borough Council is still looking for more volunteers to help steward the route. If you want to get involved in this then please email Torchrelayenquiries@swindon.gov.uk

CALLING ALL RUNNERS

11 May 2012: Swindon Shin Splints is on the look-out for new runners. The free running group welcomes experienced runners, joggers and wannabe runners!

A new 10-week beginners programme starts on Saturday, 9 June. An open evening will be held on Wednesday, 6 June at the Sun Inn, Coate between 7.00pm and 8.30pm so people can find out more about the group. The Shin Splints run on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings and operate four sub groups each offering different distances. The group caters for runners of all abilities and is a great way to improve your fitness and to make new friends along the way.

For more information about Shin Splints call Cathy on 07977 915606 or visit www.swindonhalfmarathon.co.uk.

COMMUNITY GAMES TOUR

11 May 2012: Families will be encouraged to join in a range of activities as part of the Community Games Tour, organised by Challenge Swindon.

The Tour will be visiting various communities in the borough. The Urban Tour will take place throughout the summer at Quarry Road, Meadowcroft, Buckhurst Fields, Sevenfields and St Marks.

Each session will run from 1pm to 3pm and activities on offer include multi-sports, frisbee golf, volleyball, football, tag, dodgeball and lots more.

The Rural Tour takes in Wroughton on 23rd June, Highworth on 30th June and Blunsdon on 7th July, from 1pm to 3.30pm and activities will have an Olympic theme. There will also be a Rural Tour Finals Day on 14th July where representatives from those areas will have the opportunity to compete against each other in a variety of activities to win Gold for their community.

All the sessions are designed to get family and friends to enjoy the activities together and are a great way to make new friends in your community.

So come out to play... and we promise you'll be home for tea.

For more information on tour locations and dates please visit www.challengeswindon.org.uk or contact Doug Imrie on 01793 465405 or dimrie@swindon.gov.uk

PROPOSED BASE STATION INSTALLATION ON VERGE ON THE STREET, HAYDON WICK - REF 17552/KS

2 April 2012: A stakeholder meeting has been arranged to discuss planning application by Cornerstone (Vodafone UK Ltd and Telefonica UK Ltd) at The Street/Haydonleigh Drive opposite Holmleigh, Haydon Wick Swindon.

Date Time and Location of Meeting: Wednesday 4 April 2012 10am to 12 noon at Haydon Wick Parish Council Offices, Thames Avenue, Haydon Wick. SN25 1QQ

MAD MARCH HARE

14 February 2012: There are still places available to take part in the Mad March Hare on Sunday 25th March 2011, in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer Wiltshire.

The 2012 event will include two distances of 5km and 10km that entrants can walk, power walk or run around Lydiard Park, starting at Greendown School in Grange Park.

To find out more about the Mad March Hare event or if you are interested in taking part, please visit our website www.madmarchhare.org.uk or contact the Organising Team on 0845 680 8064 or info@madmarchhare.org.uk

Profits from the event go direct to Breakthrough Breast Cancer Wiltshire. If you wish you can also collect sponsorship money.

CTC CYCLE CHAMPIONS SWINDON 'BOGOF' SPORTIVE AND FAMILY CYCLE RIDE, SUNDAY 19TH FEBRUARY 2012

25th January 2012: Swindon CTC Cycle Champions programme is organising a sportive and family cycle ride from Lydiard Park in the west of the town on Sunday 19th February 2012. All entrants get a free entry for a friend to the event, i.e. buy one get one free (BOGOF), so when you pre-register just include the name of the person you would like to bring along on the day and they will ride for free. Best of all, thanks to BIG Lottery Funding the entry fee is only £15.00 if you pre-enter!

Distances are:

75km – Experienced riders Road Route

55km – Novice riders and those who wish to increase their distance Road Route

14km - Family route

Pre-registration is required for this otherwise on-the-day entries will be liable to a £10 surcharge.

Starting from Lydiard Park on the west of the town, both road routes head west to Purton where they split into different anti-clockwise routes shortly after. The shorter route goes to Brinkworth and heads south to Clyffe Pypard before swinging north to avoid the Ridgeway and back to Swindon. The longer route goes towards Malmesbury and then heads south to Clyffee Pypard where it then crosses the Ridgeway with a real brute of a 16% climb before taking in a breath-taking view and a slightly longer route back to the finish.

Each course has been designed to offer terrain according to the level of participant so no big climbs or steep descents on the shorter route while the climb over the Ridgeway on the longer one will test any rider. Both routes will be fully signposted, have a well stocked feed and drink station, mechanical back up en route as well as the start finish area, and support vehicles on the course.

For more details and to enter the CTC Cycle Champions Swindon Sportive and Challenge Ride please visit www.ctcchallengerides.co.uk

For earlier news, please click here.