Wiltshire

Swindon Borough Council is seeking views on its updated Road Safety Strategy and we would welcome your comments

Swindon Borough Council is seeking views on its updated Road Safety Strategy and we would welcome your comments 1900 1200 Caroline Hunt

The Council’s last road safety strategy – The Strategic Plan for Accident Reduction – was approved in 2010 and with changes in national guidance and best practice and the slowing of progress in road casualty reductions it is timely that the Council’s approach to road safety be updated.

Swindon’s Road Safety Strategy is intended as an interim 2-year strategy and seeks to introduce a Safe Systems approach to how the Council will achieve further reductions in the number of casualties injured in road traffic collisions on Swindon’s roads.

Key to the adoption of a Safe Systems approach to road safety is having the wider community at its core. So as representative of a valued stakeholder to the Council’s road safety activities we are keen to understand the views on this new approach and the Strategy’s proposed vision and objectives.

The Safe Systems approach to road safety is based on 5 pillars, one of which is Safe Speeds. In line with the updated draft interim road safety strategy, the Council is also proposing a new draft policy on 20mph schemes. This proposes a change in the local approach to allow a greater priority to be given to the introduction of 20mph schemes on residential streets where there is a high volume of use by vulnerable road users.

Your comments will be used to better understand the wider views on a safe systems approach to road safety and will help to inform development of a longer-term strategy for road safety through the Wiltshire & Swindon Road Safety Partnership. Comments on the draft 20mph Schemes policy will also be considered in finalising the draft documents for presentation for adoption by Cabinet later in the year.

Copies of the relevant documents are available on the Council website here with a link to a short survey to capture your feedback.

Comments must be submitted by 5pm Friday 27th August 2021.

 

Thank you very much for taking the time to respond to this consultation.

Clarification Q&A published – Invitations to Tender – Refurbishment of Play Areas

Clarification Q&A published – Invitations to Tender – Refurbishment of Play Areas 1900 1200 Caroline Hunt

Clarification Questions (updated 18.06.2021):

What material would be preferable with in the design of the park?
Steel is preferred which is more durable and vandal proof. Timber would be considered in the right design but steel is preferred.

What colour wetpour would you like along the edge that is being repaired in Luna play area?
Any thing that you feel that fits in with the park. This is a chance for the supplier to be innovative, such as mixing colours or graphics along the edge.

Any possibility of an extension to the deadlines, with a view to the project date being mid-October?
Unfortunately, the Council cannot extend the deadlines for this tender and would encourage the project start date to be as described on the tender or as soon as practicably possible afterwards if the bid is successful and there is valid reasons as to why the preferred date is not achievable.

The ITT gives a project start date of 23rd August, many lead times are currently into September already. Does the Parish Council have a deadline to work to as this an August start date is not achievable for us.
Possibly a September start date but no later, as closest to the project start date is required due to other deadlines and projects we have this year. If there is sound reason for the project date to be delayed slightly then this will be considered during the scrutiny of the tenders.

Do we need to include the cost of an RPII post installation inspection?
Yes please.

It was suggested that the available budget may flex between sites, is this feasible as would only work if the same company won both tenders, or are we to treat each site entirely separately?
If there is budget savings for using the same company for both sites they need to be listed please so again this can be scrutinised and factored in to why it would be a benefit to use yourselves if successful for this tender. We would still like each play area to be different and have an innovative approach.

Point 2.3 of the Gaynor ITT references games on the footpath, I believe from my site visit that this applies to Luna Close and not Gaynor, please confirm.
Apologies, yes the same document was used and amended for each site its possible that the footpath games had not been redacted upon the final draft.

Will you circulate any relevant clarifications via Contracts Finder or email?
The questions/answers are listed on the Parish Council’s website – these questions will also be uploaded.

Would you like the cost of the old equipment to be removed within the bid at Luna Close?
Please price up for the removal of the small unit, tyre swing small shelter and remove the supper Nova in one piece as we like to reuse it elsewhere. The large tumbler swing is staying.

If needed, could we extend wet pour surface into the pathway in Luna to be able to fit the accessible roundabout?
We preferred not to but if needed in your design, then it will have to go all the way round to the other gate so to fit with the rest.

Would you consider rubber mulch in the bark area at Gaynor Close?
Wet pour rubber granules was the idea to follow in from the original surface.  The Council is open to options in the design as long as it fits with surface already there.

What edge would be put between the new surface and the rest of the bark area due to a possible drop?
This is a chance for the contractor to be innovative. Suggestions received of barriers or even a line of sensory play panels. Perhaps the drop could incorporate a rubber mulch slope.

 

Haydon Wick Parish Council has two Invitations to Tender (ITT) currently available for bid submissions. Both ITT’s are for the refurbishment of play areas. Please click on the links below for more details and documents to download. If you require these documents in another format or if you have any queries, please contact: clerk@haydonwick.gov.uk 

Invitation to Tender: Refurbishment of Luna Play Area

Invitation to Tender: Refurbishment of Gaynor Close Play Area

 

Council launches communication survey

Council launches communication survey 1900 1200 Caroline Hunt

The Parish Council is launching an extensive communication survey with residents across the Parish. The survey will be shared through the following engagement platforms: social media, Council website and the summer edition of the Parish Council’s publication – The Haydon Wick Living Magazine. The aim of the survey is to understand how effective current communication methods are, and how they can be improved to support the community.

Please click here to access the survey. The survey takes approximately 6 minutes to complete, and by entering you can be in with a chance to win a £25 Just Eat voucher!

Invitations to Tender: refurbishment of play areas

Invitations to Tender: refurbishment of play areas 1900 1200 Caroline Hunt

Haydon Wick Parish Council has two Invitations to Tender (ITT) currently available for bid submissions. Both ITT’s are for the refurbishment of play areas. Please click on the links below for more details and documents to download. If you require these documents in another format or if you have any queries, please contact: clerk@haydonwick.gov.uk 

Invitation to Tender: Refurbishment of Luna Play Area

Invitation to Tender: Refurbishment of Gaynor Close Play Area

Clarification Questions (updated 18.06.2021):

What material would be preferable with in the design of the park?
Steel is preferred which is more durable and vandal proof. Timber would be considered in the right design but steel is preferred.

What colour wetpour would you like along the edge that is being repaired in Luna play area?
Any thing that you feel that fits in with the park. This is a chance for the supplier to be innovative, such as mixing colours or graphics along the edge.

Any possibility of an extension to the deadlines, with a view to the project date being mid-October?
Unfortunately, the Council cannot extend the deadlines for this tender and would encourage the project start date to be as described on the tender or as soon as practicably possible afterwards if the bid is successful and there is valid reasons as to why the preferred date is not achievable.

The ITT gives a project start date of 23rd August, many lead times are currently into September already. Does the Parish Council have a deadline to work to as this an August start date is not achievable for us.
Possibly a September start date but no later, as closest to the project start date is required due to other deadlines and projects we have this year. If there is sound reason for the project date to be delayed slightly then this will be considered during the scrutiny of the tenders.

Do we need to include the cost of an RPII post installation inspection?
Yes please.

It was suggested that the available budget may flex between sites, is this feasible as would only work if the same company won both tenders, or are we to treat each site entirely separately?
If there is budget savings for using the same company for both sites they need to be listed please so again this can be scrutinised and factored in to why it would be a benefit to use yourselves if successful for this tender. We would still like each play area to be different and have an innovative approach.

Point 2.3 of the Gaynor ITT references games on the footpath, I believe from my site visit that this applies to Luna Close and not Gaynor, please confirm.
Apologies, yes the same document was used and amended for each site its possible that the footpath games had not been redacted upon the final draft.

Will you circulate any relevant clarifications via Contracts Finder or email?
The questions/answers are listed on the Parish Council’s website – these questions will also be uploaded.

Would you like the cost of the old equipment to be removed within the bid at Luna Close?
Please price up for the removal of the small unit, tyre swing small shelter and remove the supper Nova in one piece as we like to reuse it elsewhere. The large tumbler swing is staying.

If needed, could we extend wet pour surface into the pathway in Luna to be able to fit the accessible roundabout?
We preferred not to but if needed in your design, then it will have to go all the way round to the other gate so to fit with the rest.

Would you consider rubber mulch in the bark area at Gaynor Close?
Wet pour rubber granules was the idea to follow in from the original surface.  The Council is open to options in the design as long as it fits with surface already there.

What edge would be put between the new surface and the rest of the bark area due to a possible drop?
This is a chance for the contractor to be innovative. Suggestions received of barriers or even a line of sensory play panels. Perhaps the drop could incorporate a rubber mulch slope.

Election of Parish Councillor Update

Election of Parish Councillor Update 1900 1200 Caroline Hunt

Haydon Wick Parish Council wish Abosede Patrick-Okoh a very warm welcome to the team.

Deceleration of result of poll

Artist impression of Seven Fields Nature Reserve in the style of hand drawn black and white map

Council & Local Artist Celebrate Seven Fields Nature Reserve

Council & Local Artist Celebrate Seven Fields Nature Reserve 1900 1200 Caroline Hunt

The Council has teamed up with the very talented local community artist, Marilyn Trew, to create a bespoke map of Seven Fields Nature Reserve.

The concept of the map is to spread awareness of why the Local Nature Reserve is so important, to promote the partnership between Seven Fields Nature Reserve and the Parish Council, and to help navigate your way through the fields and educate the community on the types of wildlife and wildflowers that you may find there.

To mark this special occasion, we will be running a colouring competition. The winner will receive a family picnic hamper (kindly donated by Morrisons, Haydon Wick) to enjoy at Seven Fields on a weekend of your choice throughout June. Entries to be received by Friday 4th June 2021. Entries should be sent to competitions@haydonwick.gov.uk – please include your name and contact email/telephone number. There is no age limit for this competition, and it is open to anyone who enjoys visiting Seven Fields Nature Reserve.

Colouring map of Seven Fields Nature Reserve 

Thyme Close Play Area

Local Artists & Decorators come together to add a touch of colour and bring some character back to Thyme Close Play Area

Local Artists & Decorators come together to add a touch of colour and bring some character back to Thyme Close Play Area 1900 1200 Caroline Hunt

The Council called out for artistic and creative volunteers to help recreate the much loved, unique, wooden play area nestled just off Thamesdown Drive. Due to several wooden creatures in the play area becoming faded and worn, the repainting required some skill and patience to restore the creatures and bring them back to life.

The project began on Friday 19th March 2021 whereby local artists Marilyn Trew and Jo Garton, braved the wet and windy weather to repaint the creatures. Marilyn said I was very happy to be invited to refurbish this lovely nature based play park. Myself and Jo Garton set to work on the Frog and Cricket bouncers and the Green Man Totem Pole. It didn’t take long before they looked great again and I received lots of compliments from users afterwards. That’s the beauty of being community artists!”. This is not the first time that Marilyn & Friends have helped the Parish Council with various projects, such as the Remembrance Day artwork for 2019 and 2020 and working on a map of Seven Fields which the Parish Council will be purchasing for the Seven Fields Conservation Group.

The redecoration project finished on Monday 23rd March 2021 with a team from Prime Handyman Services, a newly established company that began at the beginning of the pandemic. Understandably proud of the company’s achievements throughout the pandemic and growing from strength to strength, owner of the company Reg, advised that he wanted to give something back to his local community and saw this as a great opportunity. The team repainted the large snake and the crocodile see saw. Born and bred Swindonian Reg said “we were really happy to support our local community in this way. We have been delighted by the local support for our business, and this was a great opportunity for us to give back – and now we are looking to recruit within the local area too. We know how important it is to invest back into your local community”. Reg has kindly offered the company’s assistance in future projects and has loved working with the Parish Council.

The Play Area is now very vibrant with primary colours of green, red and yellow. The enhancement has been very well received by residents who have been contacting the Parish Council with their comments of appreciation. The Play Area will also benefit from a slide being installed next to the swing unit within the next couple of weeks. The slide due to be installed has been recycled from King George V Play Area following the recent resurfacing work.

The census is coming

The census is coming 1900 1200 Caroline Hunt

The census is coming. By taking part, you can help inform decisions on services that shape your community, such as healthcare, education and transport.

The census is a unique survey that happens every 10 years. It gives us a snapshot of all the people and households in England and Wales – the most detailed information we have about our society.

It’s important that you fill in your census questionnaire. Without the information you share, it’d be more difficult to understand your community’s needs and to plan and fund public services.

In one way or another, your information touches the lives of every single person living in England and Wales, whether it’s through using census information to plan new schools, doctors’ surgeries or bike lanes.

Because these things matter to us all, everyone needs to complete the census. Do not worry, government officials dealing with applications you’ve made or payments or services you receive cannot see it.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) runs the census in England and Wales and is independent from government. Your details are protected by law and information published is always anonymous.

Census Day is Sunday 21 March 2021. You can fill yours in online as soon as you get your access code in the post. If your household circumstances change on Census Day, you can let the ONS know.

Everyone should have the support they need to fill in the census. If you, or anyone you know, needs help, there’s a wide range of support services available.

These include a contact centre that can give you help over the phone and guidance in a range of languages and accessible formats, including paper questionnaires and large print.

If you need help or have any questions, visit www.census.gov.uk

Haydon Wick Parish Council delivers an accessible and vibrant play park make-over

Haydon Wick Parish Council delivers an accessible and vibrant play park make-over 1900 1200 Caroline Hunt

Building on the continued success of other play park refurbishments in Haydon Wick, local school children, Councillors and Parish Council staff were delighted to see the finished results of the King George V Play Area renovation.

In line with government guidance and with COVID safety measures in place, the energetic Meerkats Class from Haydon Wick Primary School had an enjoyable morning testing out the new bongo drums, the rain wheel, sensory panel and a basket swing. The little play park enthusiasts enjoyed half an hour of play time before being treated to refreshments by the Morrison’s Community Champion from the Haydon Wick store.

During specific areas of the project development, the Council worked closely with Benjamin’s Smile charity – a keen ambassador for accessible play who has been working with local parish councils and Justin Tomlinson MP to make play areas inclusive for all children. The park has also benefitted from extensive resurfacing, the installation of accessibility friendly play equipment and footpaths. Becky from Benjamin’s Smile, had this to say about the newly developed play area:

I am so delighted with the positive support which Haydon Wick Parish Council has shown since my first meeting with them. 

The adaptions made to KGV Park along with other projects I know the Council has planned are going to make such a significant difference to families who will benefit from better access and inclusive equipment at play parks.

My campaign is about raising awareness.  All children and young people deserve to be able to access parks and play equipment and quite simply be included. I am so thankful to Haydon Wick Parish Council for being so proactive and I can’t wait to take my son Benjamin to enjoy the park”.  

The Parish Council continues to create wonderful, accessible, and engaging areas for residents to benefit from. A highlight of 2020 was the £80,000.00 refurbishment of Haydonleigh Skate Park which is fully inclusive and includes striking street art from local artist  The Visual Drop and an innovative legal graffiti wall has been created with urban concrete tunnels for shelter. In late 2020 the Council planted over 5,000 bulbs with volunteers, which have now provided residents with cheerful spring colours across the parish as we approach the end of the 2021 national lock-down.

Looking ahead, a Covid-19 Memorial of cherry blossom trees is planned for the Parish – and will offer residents of all ages with a space to remember those that have lost their lives during the pandemic, honour key workers and reflect on shared experiences of this time. More updates on this exciting development and even more play area refurbishment plans are coming as the Council has committed another £132,500 to spend on improvements from April 2021.

Reflection and hope for our community

Reflection and hope for our community 1900 1200 Caroline Hunt

It has been more than a year since the United Kingdom confirmed its first case of COVID-19, and as we fast approach the anniversary of the first confirmed case in Swindon, Haydon Wick Parish Council in North Swindon, will be joining the National Trust and other organisations in planting a circle of blossom trees as an act of remembrance.

As brave NHS staff and armies of volunteers work determinedly to vaccinate the nation and we edge towards a glimmer of normal life, the planned memorial will provide residents of all ages with a space to remember those that have lost their lives during the pandemic, honour key workers and reflect on shared experiences of this time. The project will involve the planting cherry blossom trees, installing sleeper benches and a flower bed next to Orchid Vale Care Home in the parish. A spokesperson for the Parish Council commented:

“From talking with residents it become clear that many wanted to recognise the sad deaths of all this community has lost to COVID19, as well as to express a communal sense of shared loss and shared remembrance. We still have a long way to go to beat COVID19 but the vaccines are a symbol of hope in this moment of darkness, and that’s how we see this memorial”.

The larger urban enhancement project headed by the National Trust is designed to replicate the Japanese ‘hanami’ – and Haydon Wick will be adopting this ancient tradition of viewing cherry blossoms as the first sign of spring, for years to come.

The Council had recognised the significant importance of open spaces on the mental and physical health of its residents during lockdowns. It has completed many projects such as parish-wide bulb planting, allotment enhancements and competitions to benefit the local residents of Haydon Wick in Swindon.

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