News

Carriageway Resurfacing Works
Carriageway Resurfacing Works 968 689 Liz Matthews

Please be advised:

  • upcoming carriageway resurfacing works along the section of carriageway between the Asda Orbital Roundabout and Thamesdown Drive
  • works are programmed to commence on Tuesday, 25th November 2025, for three night shifts between 20:00 and 06:00.

Read more here

 

Join Our Team!
Join Our Team! 2333 1750 Liz Matthews

Temporary Parks & Open Spaces Operatives Wanted (x2)

We’re looking for two people to help take care of our Parks and Open spaces.

Join our team maintaining the Council’s outdoor spaces. You will handle all aspects of landscaping, horticulture, and grounds maintenance while working closely with the Parks & Open Spaces Operations & Facility Manager, our Lead Operatives, and a small team of operatives to uphold our Parish Council’s award-winning standards.

We are looking for individuals who take pride in their work, spot opportunities for improvement, and never compromise on safety. You will be trained to understand risks and follow best practices. You will help us deliver a community service which you can be proud of.

If you’re passionate about keeping our open spaces looking their best, we’d love to hear from you.

For an immediate start until the end of March 2026 – interviews will commence as soon as possible.

In return:

  • Salary based on a scale point SCP5, £14.02 per hour, with an additional 12% uplift per hour to cover annual leave and sickness
  • Potential to extend the contract period or lead to permanent employment after March 2026
  • In-house training provided
  • Full PPE provided
  • A new Grounds Maintenance Facility to work from
  • Small friendly team with lots of experience and knowledge
  • Free parking

Make a difference in your community – apply today!

See the full job description here

Send your CV and cover letter to: Jason Watts, POS Operations & Facility Manager at: FacilityManager@haydonwick.gov.uk

A Heartfelt Thank You
A Heartfelt Thank You 443 590 Liz Matthews

A Heartfelt Thank You 🌺

We want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has contributed to the beautiful commemorative displays across Haydon Wick this Remembrance season.

A special thank you to Swindon Big Knit for creating the stunning post box topper that has captured so many hearts. The hand-knitted figure of a serving soldier, standing proudly above a glowing canopy of hundreds of red poppies cascading into a moving sea of remembrance, is truly breathtaking. Each poppy, lovingly handmade by dedicated volunteers, carries its own quiet story—a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and unity.

Last month, the group generously donated 200 hand-crafted poppies for sale to support the Royal British Legion. The remaining poppies from this donation have been beautifully incorporated into our parish remembrance display in front of the office, where a wreath and garlands adorn the blossom tree, and our tribute features a Tommy with a trailing poppy field. Poppies now mark every gateway across the parish—a united and visible tribute to those who gave their today for our tomorrow.

Thank you to every volunteer, every pair of hands, and every generous heart that has made these displays possible. Your dedication honours those we remember and brings our community together in a truly meaningful way.

Lest we forget.

A New Chapter Begins: Completion of Long-Awaited Grounds Maintenance Facility
A New Chapter Begins: Completion of Long-Awaited Grounds Maintenance Facility 2560 1707 Liz Matthews

The keys to Haydon Wick’s brand-new Grounds Maintenance Facility have been officially handed over, marking a significant milestone for the Parish Council and the culmination of three years of dedicated planning, consultation, and collaboration.

From initial concept to completion, the project has progressed through rigorous Council processes, with a dedicated Working Party guiding development at every stage and Full Council providing crucial oversight and approval. The new Facility represents a substantial investment in the Parish’s future, delivering a purpose-built space that will serve the community for decades to come.

Located at the heart of Haydon Wick, the Facility has been designed with both operational efficiency and environmental sustainability at its core. Solar panels crown the roof, demonstrating the Parish Council’s firm commitment to renewable energy and reducing the carbon footprint of Council operations. The PV installation will contribute to significant cost savings whilst minimising environmental impact—a dual benefit that underscores the thoughtful approach taken throughout the planning process.

The Parish Council’s dedication to preserving and enhancing local ecology is demonstrated through the planting of new trees to replace those felled during construction, ensuring the overall greenery and ecological health of our community continues to flourish. This commitment to environmental sustainability and the preservation of green spaces remains a core priority for the Council.

The strategic location promises substantial efficiencies in both time and costs for years to come, enabling more responsive service delivery across the Parish’s cherished parks and open spaces. The Facility provides ample storage for tools and materials, with thoughtfully designed spaces that will support the team’s operational needs.

Cllr Richard Hailstone, Chair of the Parks and Open Spaces Committee, said: “It’s been tremendously rewarding to see the dedication and thorough process that has gone into bringing this Facility to fruition. This represents a remarkable investment in the provision of our parks and open spaces, and I’m genuinely excited to see both our team and the wider community reaping the benefits for many years to come.”

Cllr Vinay Manro Chairman of the Council added: “Our new Grounds Maintenance Facility gives our in-house team the space and tools to keep the Parish looking its best. It brings together six dedicated services, from grass and hedge cutting to play park care and street sweeping. The new workshop allows more repairs and maintenance to be completed on site, improving efficiency and supporting greener operations across the parish.”

The Parks and Open Spaces team have now had the opportunity to explore their new work home for the first time. The scent of fresh paint and new flooring filled the air as they walked through storage cupboards and workspaces designed specifically for their needs. The team staffroom has been furnished with repurposed office furniture donated by a closing business, second hand noticeboard adorn the walls, alongside repurposed tables and chairs that had been kept in storage for two years—a practical approach that extends the sustainability ethos throughout the building.

The Team’s delight was evident, with smiles all round as the long-awaited bespoke Facility became a reality after years of anticipation.

Plans are already underway to host an open event in the coming months, giving residents the opportunity to see the Facility for themselves. Residents can also take the opportunity to learn more about the vital work that happens behind the scenes to maintain the Parish’s beautiful parks and open spaces.

White Eagle Outdoor Gym Officially Opens
White Eagle Outdoor Gym Officially Opens 2560 1707 Liz Matthews

WHITE EAGLE OUTDOOR GYM OFFICIALLY OPENS WITH RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY

Haydon Wick Parish Council celebrates completion of community fitness facility

Haydon Wick Parish Council marked a significant milestone today with the official ribbon cutting ceremony for the new White Eagle Outdoor Gym, welcoming local councillors, officers, and representatives from Harlequin Playgrounds to celebrate the completed facility.

The outdoor gym, which sits alongside the existing children’s play area and multi-use games area (MUGA) at White Eagle, has been delivered on schedule following extensive community consultation earlier this year.

Celebrating Local Partnership

Liam and Nikola Andrews, Managing Director and Director of Harlequin Playgrounds respectively, joined councillors and officers at today’s ceremony to view and try out the professional-grade equipment their team has installed.

The facility features a comprehensive range of equipment suitable for all fitness levels and abilities, including cross trainers, strength training stations, a calisthenics rig, and an accessible hand and pedal bike – all set on a distinctive black surface with green flecks for all-weather safety.

Councillor Richard Hailstone, Chair of the Parks & Open Spaces Committee, said: “It’s wonderful to officially open this facility and see it ready for our community to enjoy. This project demonstrates what can be achieved when we listen to residents and work with local partners who share our commitment to creating excellent community spaces.”

Launch Party Planned for January

While the gym is now complete and accessible, residents are invited to a special launch party on the weekend of 10th/11th January 2026 (exact date and time to be confirmed).

The event will offer residents the perfect opportunity to:

  • Meet the team behind the project
  • Try out all the equipment with guidance
  • Receive professional fitness advice
  • Take home goodies courtesy of Harlequin Playgrounds
  • Start the new year with fresh fitness goals

The launch party will provide a welcoming introduction to this free resource, whether you’re beginning a new exercise routine, maintaining existing fitness goals, or simply curious about what the facility offers.

Watch the Parish Council’s website and social media channels for confirmation of the exact date and time.

Community-Led Investment

The outdoor gym was approved in June 2025 after being voted the top priority through the Council’s Participatory Budget Community Choices Programme, following extensive consultation with residents through letter drops and public sessions.

The partnership with Harlequin Playgrounds, also based in Haydon Wick, has ensured local expertise and investment has remained within the community throughout the project.

For more information, visit the Haydon Wick Parish Council website or follow us on social media.

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Explore Haydon Wick with a NEW Family Trail
Explore Haydon Wick with a NEW Family Trail 285 285 Liz Matthews

This half term, families can discover more of North Swindon as the Active Swindon Trails come to Haydon Wick!

 

The ‘North Swindon Fox Trail‘ is part of the Swindon Travel Choices Active Swindon Trails programme.  It starts from the Haydon Centre and goes across some great local heritage, and historical sites, as well as places of natural beauty. It’s 2.3 miles, flat and buggy-friendly.  Four legged family members will enjoy it too.

 

There’s a limited edition Fox badge available for the first 200 people to complete the trail, while everyone who completes one of the trails, is eligible for an entry into the season’s prize draw.  One lucky winner per season will receive £100 gift voucher in the grand prize draw, while five runners-up prizes for each trail will also be given out.  Residents can enter the prize draw online from the Swindon Travel Choices website, by scanning the QR code on the trail leaflets or by posting their entry form in the post box at the Haydon Centre when collecting a badge.  The badges and prize draw entry close on New Year’s Day.

 

You can pick up an Autumn trails leaflet with a map and instructions from the Haydon Centre, Swindon’s core libraries (Central, West, North, Highworth and Park) and the Haydon Wick Parish Council offices.  Residents can also download trail leaflets from the Swindon Travel Choices website.

 

The trail is one of three trails launched this autumn.  The other 2 trails are

The Fish trail – a loop around Coate Water

The Butterfly trail – a linear route along the Old Town Railway Path.

3 brand new trails will launch for the Winter season on January 1st 2026.

Consultation Response to the Draft Swindon Borough Council Local Plan 2023–2043
Consultation Response to the Draft Swindon Borough Council Local Plan 2023–2043 2333 1750 Liz Matthews
Haydon Wick Parish Council has submitted its response to Swindon Borough Council’s draft Local Plan 2023–2043.
Representing a large and vibrant community across Priory Vale and Haydon Wick, the Council is working hard to ensure residents’ voices are heard.

  • 1. Local Vision Statement

    The Parish Council’s vision is to maintain a balance between urban development and green space, ensuring Haydon Wick ward and Priory Vale ward remain well connected, liveable and resilient communities. New developments across Swindon should not lead to increased congestion, surface water flooding or environmental pressure on this area.
    Growth must bring with it the infrastructure, flood alleviation measures and community investment needed to sustain a good quality of life. This includes protecting and enhancing local assets such as Mouldon Hill Country Park, Seven Fields Nature Reserve, Clifford’s/Haydon Meadow.
    This vision supports Swindon Borough Council’s wider objectives but places emphasis on shared responsibility for infrastructure delivery and environmental protection. Growth must not come at the expense of existing communities.
    Positive elements:
    • Recognises the value of balanced urban and green environments
    • Supports borough housing needs while protecting local character
    • Identifies specific community assets for protection
    Negative elements:
    • Current plan places pressure on existing communities
    • Infrastructure and flood mitigation not guaranteed
    • Risk of loss of local environmental quality

  • 2. Spatial Strategy and Growth Areas

    The parish is directly affected by growth at Tadpole, Kingsdown and Blunsdon. These developments increase traffic, place pressure on drainage systems and risk fragmenting ecological corridors. While new homes are needed, infrastructure must come first.
    These sites will generate additional demand on Thamesdown Drive, Cold Harbour Junction and the A419, which are already operating at capacity. They also impact water catchments linked to River Ray and Haydon Brook, increasing flood risk downstream.
    Growth can bring opportunities. New residents strengthen the local economy, support shops and services and help create a more vibrant community. Without matching investment in transport, flood mitigation and green space, these benefits will be outweighed by pressure on existing infrastructure.
    Positive elements:
    • Acknowledges housing need and economic contribution of growth
    • Recognises strategic locations of Tadpole, Kingsdown and Blunsdon
    • Opportunity to align infrastructure investment with new development
    Negative elements:
    • No funded infrastructure to support these allocations
    • Increased congestion and flood risk
    • Biodiversity and green corridors under pressure
    • Cumulative impacts not addressed in the plan

  • 3. Design Quality, Character and Heritage

    New developments must learn from past mistakes. Car ownership remains the dominant form of transport in North Swindon. Inadequate parking provision in earlier developments has led to unsafe parking, blocked pavements and frustration for residents.
    Future design must acknowledge current behaviour and provide sufficient parking, safe walking routes and appropriate landscaping. This is essential for liveability.
    The heritage and identity of the parish are shaped by Mouldon Hill Country Park and the Swindon and Cricklade Railway, which provide a strong local sense of place. These assets should be considered when planning nearby growth.
    Positive elements:
    • Acknowledges importance of practical design standards
    • Recognises value of local heritage assets
    • Supports better landscaping and integration
    Negative elements:
    • Earlier developments failed to meet parking demand
    • Poor integration with heritage and green assets
    • Design policy remains too general

  • 4. Housing Mix and Affordability

    The parish has seen rapid housing growth dominated by similar housing types, creating limited choice for different age groups and income levels. Affordable housing remains a concern, with many residents priced out of the area they grew up in.
    The plan should provide a better mix of homes, including affordable starter homes, accessible properties for older residents and housing that meets the needs of a changing population.
    Rapid growth has outpaced the delivery of infrastructure, placing strain on roads, schools and community facilities. Future housing must be balanced with service provision and environmental protection.
    Positive elements:
    • Recognises housing diversity as a priority
    • Highlights affordability challenges
    • Links housing growth to infrastructure capacity
    Negative elements:
    • Lack of variety in housing stock
    • Limited affordable and accessible housing
    • Infrastructure has not kept pace with development

  • 5. Infrastructure and Phasing

    The Local Plan recognises the need to align infrastructure with housing growth. References to Thamesdown Drive, Lady Lane, active travel and bus services show awareness of where key pressure points exist.
    The Infrastructure Delivery Plan is incomplete and unfunded for northern schemes. There is no clear commitment to extend Thamesdown Drive to Great Western Way. This missing link is one of the most critical infrastructure gaps in Swindon. Cold Harbour Junction is a long-standing bottleneck with no allocated funding. Tadpole Garden Village and Burcot Farm will add pressure to the A419, but the plan contains no access improvements to match.
    Fibre broadband was retrofitted in Priory Vale years after homes were occupied. Pavements were dug up repeatedly, causing damage and shortening their lifespan. Utilities and transport must be installed from the outset, not as afterthoughts.
    Positive elements:
    • Recognises Thamesdown Drive and key travel corridors
    • Mentions active travel and bus service improvements
    • Aligns with TR1, TR2 and IN2 on sustainable infrastructure
    • Acknowledges infrastructure must accompany growth
    Negative elements:
    • Infrastructure plan incomplete and unfunded for northern schemes
    • No Thamesdown Drive extension to Great Western Way
    • No Cold Harbour Junction upgrade
    • No A419 access improvements for Tadpole and Burcot Farm
    • No phasing triggers tied to occupation
    • Pavement damage due to late broadband installation
    • No strategic funding for northern routes
    • Allocations near Kingsdown and Blunsdon lack infrastructure plan

  • 6. Biodiversity, Nature Recovery and Green Space

    Policies CSE8, EN1 and EN2 provide a framework for biodiversity net gain and green infrastructure. Recognition of Mouldon Hill Country Park as a strategic site is welcome.
    The plan fails to protect many other valued local spaces. These must be explicitly named and safeguarded:
    • Mouldon Hill Country Park as a major biodiversity asset
    • Clifford’s Meadow and Haydon Meadow as nationally important wildlife sites
    • Seven Fields Nature Reserve as a key ecological and community space
    • All parish managed open spaces and play areas
    • Goodearl, Rose Walk and Ventnor Close allotments as key food resilience and biodiversity sites
    Biodiversity net gain must be delivered locally. Off-site delivery denies communities environmental benefits. Ecological corridors between Tadpole Field, Seven Fields, Mouldon Hill and Clifford’s Meadow must be mapped and protected.
    Positive elements:
    • CSE8 biodiversity net gain target
    • EN1 and EN2 link green space, health and climate
    • Mouldon Hill strategic recognition
    • Borough canopy target aligned with Great Western Community Forest
    Negative elements:
    • Clifford’s Meadow, Seven Fields and allotments not mapped or protected
    • Off-site biodiversity net gain allowed
    • No ecological corridor mapping
    • No parish canopy reporting
    • Allotments not protected
    • Habitat fragmentation risk
    • No biodiversity monitoring at parish level

  • 7. Climate Resilience and Surface Water Flooding

    Flooding affects Haydon End, Oakhurst, Abbey Meads and Tadpole Garden Village. EN6, EN1 and EN2 set objectives but lack enforceable standards. The evidence is outdated and does not reflect repeated flood events since 2016.
    Hotspots such as Thames Avenue, Queen Elizabeth Drive and Tadpole Lane have experienced repeated failures. Abbey Meads floods after storms. These are not mapped or prioritised for action.
    SuDS are inconsistent. In Tadpole Garden Village, basins were left unadopted and poorly maintained. Developers have used underground tanks instead of natural infiltration. Older estates rely on traditional drainage. Without clear standards and adoption frameworks, SuDS will not be reliable.
    There are no measurable standards for permeable surfaces, canopy cover or shading. Mouldon Hill is isolated from surrounding areas and tree planting commitments have been scaled back. Green corridors are fragmented.
    No SuDS register exists. Responsibility is split between developers, management companies and the Borough Council. Growth at Kingsdown and NEV will increase pressure on River Ray and Haydon Brook. Policy IN2 covers potable and foul water but not surface water capacity.
    The evidence base predates major flood events and monitoring has not been published.
    Positive elements:
    • EN6, EN1 and EN2 provide a base framework
    • Green infrastructure recognised as part of the solution
    • Mouldon Hill identified as a strategic green site
    Negative elements:
    • Outdated flood risk evidence
    • Hotspots not identified or prioritised
    • Weak SuDS standards
    • No adoption framework
    • No measurable design standards
    • No borough surface water strategy
    • Cumulative impacts unaddressed
    • Green commitments delayed
    • No SuDS register
    • Fragmented responsibility

  • 8. Air Quality, Noise and Pollution

    Traffic is the primary source of air and noise pollution in Haydon Wick and Priory Vale. Pressure on Thamesdown Drive, Lady Lane and the A419 affects homes, schools and green spaces.
    The plan should include commitments to ongoing monitoring and improvement. Tree planting, EV charging, active travel routes and low emission infrastructure can mitigate harm. Air quality improvements must be sustained over time.
    Positive elements:
    • Recognises traffic pressures
    • Encourages investment in cleaner transport
    • Supports environmental improvements
    Negative elements:
    • No specific commitments in the plan
    • Monitoring arrangements unclear
    • Air and noise quality likely to worsen without action

  • 9. Fair Funding and Delivery

    Section 106 and CIL obligations have often been reduced through viability claims, shifting maintenance of parks, allotments and bins to parish taxpayers.
    Leisure facilities must be treated as essential infrastructure. Funding should be linked to growth.
    Developer bonds would ensure infrastructure delivery. If not delivered, funds can be used by the Borough or parish to complete works. This strengthens IN2 and increases accountability.
    Positive elements:
    • Growth linked to funding mechanisms
    • Recognises importance of leisure infrastructure
    • Developer bonds offer delivery security
    Negative elements:
    • Current funding unreliable
    • Costs shifted to parishes
    • Leisure not linked to growth
    • No bond mechanism
    • Viability undermines delivery

  • 10. Community Identity, Education, Service and Leisure Protection

    Haydon Wick and Priory Vale are under sustained pressure on services. Schools such as Haydonleigh, Greenmeadow and Orchid Vale expanded rapidly after housing growth. This relied on temporary buildings and overstretched older facilities.
    The plan does not safeguard land for future education. Secondary provision is limited. Growth at Kingsdown, Blunsdon and Tadpole will increase pressure.
    Leisure facilities are central to community life. Sports halls, community centres and play areas support health and connection. Without growth linked standards, service gaps will widen.
    Positive elements:
    • Recognises service pressure
    • Highlights education and leisure importance
    • Opportunity to link provision to growth
    Negative elements:
    • Pressures ignored
    • No safeguarded education land
    • No leisure provision targets
    • Catchment pressure will increase
    • No alignment between growth and services

  • 11. Employment, Skills and Digital Infrastructure

    A strong Local Plan must support livelihoods, learning and connectivity. EC1 to EC3 and IN3 set objectives but do not deliver for North Swindon.
    Employment allocations are concentrated in the south and east. None are in North Swindon. This forces commuting and worsens congestion on Thamesdown Drive and the A419. Orbital Shopping Park provides mainly retail jobs.
    Skills and training are not integrated. North Star College provides excellent technical training in central Swindon but has no link to northern growth. Apprenticeship opportunities are limited.
    Digital infrastructure policy is outdated. Priory Vale was built without fibre broadband. Tadpole Garden Village had inconsistent speeds. Taw Hill still has poor mobile coverage. FTTP must be installed at build stage.
    There is no provision for incubators or co-working hubs. SMEs and professionals must operate elsewhere. This wastes opportunities for green tech and digital industries.
    Positive elements:
    • EC1 to EC3 set economic objectives
    • IN3 recognises digital infrastructure
    • Potential to link skills and growth
    Negative elements:
    • No employment land allocations in the north
    • Commuter pressure on key routes
    • Fibre broadband not required at build stage
    • Skills policy underdeveloped• No incubator or co-working provision• Poor digital coverage in some areas
    • Outdated evidence base

  • 12. Open Space Policy Links (HL2–HL3)

    Mouldon Hill, Seven Fields, Clifford’s Meadow, Haydon Meadow, allotments and parish-managed play areas are central to community identity. These spaces should fall under HL2 and HL3 protection.
    A presumption should be introduced against their loss or reallocation unless agreed with the parish and replaced with land of equal or greater value. Biodiversity net gain should be tied directly to these sites, ensuring growth strengthens rather than weakens the parish environment.
    Positive elements:
    • Clear alignment with HL2 and HL3
    • Protects community and biodiversity assets
    • Encourages local delivery of biodiversity gain
    Negative elements:
    • Current plan does not provide HL2–HL3 designation
    • Smaller green spaces remain vulnerable
    • No local enforcement mechanism

  • 13. Monitoring and Accountability

    Monitoring must be transparent. Borough wide indicators mask local problems. Parish level reporting would give residents clarity and ensure accountability.
    Developer bonds tied to milestones would improve delivery. Without this, past failures will be repeated.
    Positive elements:
    • Monitoring framework exists
    • Indicators create a baseline
    Negative elements:
    • Borough wide data hides local issues
    • No parish level reporting• No consequences for failure
    • Weak accountability

  • 14. Town Centre

    The Local Plan’s commitment to regeneration, heritage protection and improved transport is welcome.
    Turnpike Junction remains outdated with no clear upgrade plan. Non central retail hubs such as Orbital Shopping Park are overlooked despite their importance to North Swindon.
    The plan mentions additional railway stations but provides no delivery plan. Improved rail access could ease congestion.
    Reopening of Oasis Leisure Centre would support regeneration and strengthen local leisure.
    Positive elements:
    • Commitment to regeneration
    • Heritage protection included
    • Transport connections identified
    • Oasis reopening offers opportunity
    Negative elements:
    • No delivery clarity or funding
    • Turnpike Junction ignored
    • Retail hubs overlooked
    • Rail opportunity missed
    • No parish involvement

  • 15. Partnership with Parish Councils

    Parish councils maintain open spaces, allotments and facilities that shape local life. They understand local needs.
    The draft plan does not reflect their role. There is no structured involvement in infrastructure, biodiversity monitoring or flood risk planning. This weakens accountability and wastes capacity.
    Positive elements:
    • Parish councils hold local knowledge
    • Partnership would strengthen delivery
    Negative elements:
    • Parish role unrecognised
    • No structured engagement
    • No devolution of responsibilities

Top 10 Policy Asks

  1. Infrastructure First: deliver transport, utilities and digital connectivity before homes are occupied
  2. Extend Thamesdown Drive: commit funding to extend to Great Western Way
  3. Upgrade Key Junctions: prioritise Cold Harbour and A419 access
  4. Protect All Green Spaces: protect Mouldon Hill, Clifford’s Meadow, Haydon Meadow and Seven Fields. Protect all parish open spaces and play areas. Protect Goodearl, Rose Walk and Ventnor Close allotments
  5. Deliver Biodiversity Net Gain Locally: require delivery in or adjacent to affected parishes
  6. Developer Bonds and Fair Funding: reintroduce bonds to secure delivery
  7. Leisure as Core Infrastructure: link leisure to population growth and protect existing sites
  8. Education and Community Services in Step with Growth: safeguard land and address capacity
  9. Employment and Digital Connectivity in the North: allocate employment land and require FTTP at build stage
  10. Formal Parish Role: embed parishes in infrastructure phasing, green space protection and monitoring

Closing Statement

This submission sets out clear expectations for infrastructure delivery, green space protection, biodiversity, climate resilience, economic balance and community identity.

Haydon Wick Parish Council is committed to working constructively with Swindon Borough Council to ensure the Local Plan delivers real benefits for existing and future residents.

This area has already experienced more than one wave of housing growth without the matching infrastructure. The next plan must get it right. The community deserves infrastructure, investment and protection that keeps pace with development.

Executive Summary

This submission sets out the position of Haydon Wick Parish Council on the Swindon Borough Council Local Plan 2023–2043. The parish welcomes the ambition to plan for Swindon’s future but believes that current proposals fall short of ensuring fair, sustainable and balanced growth for North Swindon.

The parish comprises Haydon Wick ward and Priory Vale ward, which together have already experienced significant housing growth without matching investment in infrastructure. This has placed pressure on roads, health services, schools, green spaces and digital connectivity.

There is strong community support for protecting valued local assets including Mouldon Hill Country Park, Seven Fields Nature Reserve, Clifford’s Meadow, Haydon Meadow, Goodearl allotments, Rose Walk allotments and Ventnor Close allotments. The Local Plan must give these spaces explicit protection and ensure biodiversity net gain is delivered locally, not traded away elsewhere.

Key infrastructure issues remain unresolved. These include the extension of Thamesdown Drive to Great Western Way, urgent upgrades to Cold Harbour Junction, improved A419 access for Tadpole and Burcot developments, and the installation of digital infrastructure before occupation of new homes. Failure to address these issues will deepen congestion, flood risk and inequality.

The parish calls for stronger policy on biodiversity, climate resilience, leisure provision, community services, employment and digital connectivity. Developer bonds should be reintroduced to secure delivery, and parish councils should be embedded as formal partners in monitoring and implementation.

Top Policy Asks

  1. Infrastructure first, with transport and utilities delivered before homes
  2. Extension of Thamesdown Drive and upgrades to key junctions
  3. Protection of all existing green spaces and allotments
  4. Local delivery of biodiversity net gain
  5. Developer bonds and fair funding for local services
  6. Leisure and education provision linked to population growth
  7. Investment in employment land and full-fibre broadband
  8. Transparent, parish-level monitoring and accountability
  9. Stronger climate resilience and flood alleviation commitments
  10. Formal partnership with parish councils on delivery

North Swindon has already absorbed more than one wave of housing growth without sufficient infrastructure. The next Local Plan must ensure that investment, protection and delivery match the scale of development. A fair, sustainable and transparent plan is essential to build trust and protect the future of our community.

World Mental Health Day – Choc-teaser Bingo & Quiz Night
World Mental Health Day – Choc-teaser Bingo & Quiz Night 2560 1920 Liz Matthews

What a night! Our Choc-teaser Bingo & Quiz Night was absolutely INCREDIBLE.

Last Friday, our community came together for an unforgettable evening supporting World Mental Health Day and raising funds for The Kelly Foundation.
From the moment doors opened at 7pm, the energy was electric!
The Evening’s Highlights:
  • Six fantastic rounds of bingo expertly called by our legendary Bingo Queen, Lisa!
  • Five brain-teasing quiz rounds that took us from Disney magic to political prowess (Thank you Cllr John)
  • A delicious half-time chocolate taste test challenge – brand or fake? (The results were surprising )
  • Non-stop entertainment right through to the final raffle prize
The room was packed, the atmosphere was buzzing, and the community spirit was truly heart-warming. It’s moments like these that remind us of what coming together really means.
Cllr John said: “We organised this evening to support the Council’s chosen charity, The Kelly Foundation. We’ve set ourselves an ambitious challenge to raise £9,000, and thanks to this incredible turnout, we’re well on our way. The support from our community has been overwhelming, and we can’t wait for what’s coming next.”
And there’s plenty more to come!
Our next event is a Bikeathon in November – watch this space!
A HUGE thank you to:
  • Everyone who attended and made it such a special night
  • Cllr Ross for all her incredible effort supporting the evening and selling so many raffle tickets.
  • The Haydon Wick Club for hosting us in their brilliant function room
  • All our supporters who helped us raise an amazing £500 for The Kelly Foundation

Your support makes a real difference. Here’s to more nights of laughter, community, and giving back!

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New Outdoor Gym Taking Shape at White Eagle Play Area
New Outdoor Gym Taking Shape at White Eagle Play Area 2000 1500 Liz Matthews

Work is now underway on an exciting new outdoor gym facility at White Eagle Play Area, thanks to strong community support and comprehensive local consultation.

Local contractor Harlequin Playgrounds began installation this week on the facility, which will sit alongside the existing children’s play park and multi-use games area (MUGA), creating a complete community hub for all ages and abilities.

What to Expect

The outdoor gym will feature professional-grade equipment suitable for all fitness levels, including:

  • Cross trainers and steppers for cardio workouts
  • Strength training stations with adjustable resistance (shoulder press and bicep curl machines)
  • Calisthenics rig with pull-up bars and dip stations for bodyweight training
  • Accessible hand and pedal bike for users with varying mobility needs

The facility will have a distinctive black surface with green flecks for all-weather grip and safety, with secure fencing to keep the area clean and safe.

Community Choice

The project reached approval in June 2025 following extensive consultation with residents through letter drops, public sessions, and the Council’s Participatory Budget Community Choices Programme, where the outdoor gym was voted the top priority.

Councillor Richard Hailstone, Chair of the Parks & Open Spaces Committee, said: “After many months of planning and consultation, it’s genuinely exciting to see the contractors on site and this vision becoming a reality. This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking investment that makes communities stronger and healthier. The Parish Council’s commitment to proper consultation has ensured that every element of this facility will deliver maximum benefit for local people.”

Local Partnership

Harlequin Playgrounds, also based in Haydon Wick, will complete the project over the coming weeks, with an expected finish date in late October 2025.

Nikola Andrews, Director at Harlequin Playgrounds, said: “The Harlequin team are excited to get started on this fantastic project for Haydon Wick Parish Council, and to be appointed to create this excellent outdoor facility for our local community. We are lucky to have a facility like this so close to us, and we are delighted to be the ones delivering this project for the council.”

Liam Andrews, Managing Director at Harlequin Playgrounds, added: “Whilst we complete similar projects all over the country, forming a partnership between our local business and our local parish council is really special. It’s a great opportunity to not only create a fantastic outdoor space but also provides a boost to the local economy by using local labour and suppliers.”

The gym’s strategic location on a popular walking route, overlooking the play area and MUGA, makes it perfect for families and fitness enthusiasts alike.

Launch Event – New Year, New Challenge

Join us for a launch party on the weekend of 10th/11th January 2026 (exact date and time to be confirmed). Start the new year with your own fitness challenge and discover this fantastic free resource on your doorstep. Whether you’re beginning a new exercise routine, maintaining your fitness goals, or simply curious about the equipment, our launch event is the perfect opportunity to try everything out and meet fellow residents.

Watch our website and social media channels for confirmation of the exact date and time.

https://www.harlequinplay.co.uk/

Calling All Poets In Haydon Wick!
Calling All Poets In Haydon Wick! 1080 1350 Liz Matthews

To celebrate National Poetry Day 2025 this week with the theme of ‘play’—we want to hear from you! Whether you’re 8 or 80, there are prizes to be won and a chance to be published.

POETRY COMPETITION & OPEN-MIC

Calling local poets of all ages!
Help us celebrate National Poetry Day 2025. Submit a poem online (max. 20 lines) on the theme of ‘play’ by 31st October for your chance to win a £30 voucher and get published in the Haydon Wick Living Magazine: www.torncurtain.co.uk/poetry-competition
The Mayor of Swindon, Cllr Fay Howard @fay67 and the Mayor’s Poet @rebeccarockerwrites will choose one winner from each age category: Kids (8-12), Teens (13-19) and Big Kids (20+). All entrants are invited to share their poem at the open-mic prize event on Friday 14th November.
See poster for more details!
This is a @torncurtainco project, organised by Rebecca Rocker and sponsored by the @haydonwickcouncil Community Grants Scheme.

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About Us

We are the Parish Council that wants to lead and develop our local community. We are self-aware and are committed to focussing on the urban issues that are important to the entire community.

 

Our Address
Haydon Wick Parish Council
Thames Avenue
Haydon Wick
Swindon
SN25 1QQ

 

 

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© Haydon Wick Parish Council | Website by clearwater

Our thanks to Mark Weaving, Phil Jefferies, Rimpy and Shohini Dutta Kanungo for many of the photographs used across the website

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