Translate
Community News
Announcements, success stories, local initiatives and funding opportunities from Swindon organisations.
Concern grows over homelessness in Swindon as winter approaches
As temperatures begin to fall, concerns are growing about homelessness across Swindon. With more people facing uncertainty over housing and the challenges of sleeping rough during winter, local services and community organisations are working to provide support. But what help is available, and how can residents make a difference?
Bringing Whoville to Swindon: Meet Charlotte, the Christmas Superfan with a 16.5ft Grinch! 🎄💚
Meet Charlotte Holland, the Swindon Christmas superfan bringing Whoville to life with her spectacular decorations, a 16.5ft Grinch and a whole lot of festive magic. From creating childhood memories to building a wonderful TikTok community, discover the story behind her love of Christmas. 🎄💚
Former Swindon Councillor’s Guilty Pleas and Four-Man Trial Heard at Winchester Crown Court
A serious court case involving former Swindon councillor Philip Young is being heard at Winchester Crown Court. Young has admitted multiple offences against his former wife, while four other men deny charges they face. The trial is continuing.
Stagecoach Route 55: Passenger Raises Concerns Over Incorrect Ticket Advice
A passenger says they were sold a £5.20 Stagecoach day ticket after asking for a return to Brinkworth Road in Royal Wootton Bassett, without being told the number 55 bus did not serve their destination. They ended up at Marlowe Way and are asking Stagecoach to investigate and consider a refund.
🎃 Mysterious Ghost Reported Wandering Around Swindon After Dark! 👻 | Swindon Together Halloween Spoof
🎃👻 A mysterious ghost has reportedly been wandering around Swindon after dark, looking for the town centre and asking where the nightlife is! But there’s a spooky twist — this ghost has been dead for 200 years and its bus pass expired in 1826! 😂 Read our Halloween spoof and tell us what you would do if you spotted a ghost in Swindon. ⚠️ This is a fictional story created purely for Halloween fun.
Swindon Animal Action Network Campaigns for Animal Welfare
Swindon Animal Action Network is raising awareness of animal welfare through local campaigning. The group recently demonstrated outside Barclays to highlight its concerns about the bank’s reported support for MBR Acres and the use of beagles in scientific testing.
Swindon council asylum debate sparks questions over local priorities
A debate at Swindon Borough Council has brought asylum seekers, housing and local priorities into focus. We look at the published figures, the wider context and the questions residents may want answered.
Swindon Animal Action Network Celebrates First Anniversary with Community Open Day 🐾💚
Swindon Animal Action Network is celebrating its first anniversary with an open day at The Hub this Saturday. Local residents are invited to meet the group, learn about its work supporting animal welfare and enjoy food, drink and friendly conversation.
One Man’s Mission for a Cleaner Swindon: Meet Jamie Baldwin and South Swindon and Stratton Litter Pickers 💙🌿
Jamie Baldwin launched South Swindon and Stratton Litter Pickers to tackle litter across six parishes, investing his own money, time and effort to make Swindon cleaner. Now he’s encouraging residents and local councillors to join him, with equipment available for volunteers. His ambition is simple: a litter-free Swindon. 💙🌿
Teen Hub: A New Initiative to Create a Safer Online Space for Young People
Teen Hub is a developing project designed for young people aged 13–17, aiming to create a safer, more positive online space focused on opportunities, shared interests and wellbeing, with safeguarding at the heart of its development.
Reason revealed for water pouring out of Swindon reservoir
The reason for water pouring out of a Swindon reservoir has been revealed.
Wilts & Berks Canal towpath to close as major restoration enters second phase
A major restoration project has begun on the historic Wilts & Berks Canal
Police team targets Swindon town centre crime and anti-social behaviour
A police inspector has spoken about ongoing efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour and crime in Swindon town centre
Aldbourne residents can quiz neighbourhood inspector on local policing matters
A neighbourhood inspector is set to be quizzed on policing matters in Aldbourne
Outdoor gym plans move closer to reality in Stratton St Margaret
Plans for new outdoor gym equipment have moved a step closer to reality
Lydiard Park Academy pupils praised for creativity in mock cooking exam
Year 11 students have been praised for their performance in a mock cooking exam
I tried an £18.70 meal at new Wingers but was it really worth the money?
I tried a meal from Wingers, a new family-run fast food restaurant in Swindon, to see what all the fuss was about, and here's what I thought.
Queen’s Park entrance reopened after fallen tree cleared
A fallen tree blocked an entrance at a popular park.
Blunsdon Community Shop invites residents to volunteer at Saturday session
Blunsdon Community Shop and Café invites residents to volunteer this Saturday. No experience is needed, with training and flexible one-hour shifts available
Smiths News secures Telegraph distribution deal worth £40m a year
Smiths News has secured a major new contract with Telegraph Media Group (TMG)
Academy marks 20 years after delivering 6,000 healthcare courses in five years
A centre for healthcare education has marked 20 years of training and workforce development.
Signs go up as new shop prepares to open in Swindon's Old Town
The Oche Shop prepares to open a new darts retailer in Swindon Old Town, with signage installed and an official opening date to be announced soon.
Young people celebrated at Royal Wootton Bassett civic service
An annual civic service celebrated the achievements of young people in Royal Wootton Bassett
Changes planned to stop EV charging cables creating trip hazards
Changes could be introduced to stop electric vehicle charging cables trailing across Swindon pavements and creating trip hazards.
See inside abandoned Chinese restaurant as mystery surrounds its future
A former restaurant remains empty and without a future plan after being cleared out last month.
Swindon’s UK City of Culture 2029 bid featured on ITV
Swindon’s culture bid has been featured by ITV
M4 to face 18 months of overnight closures and 50mph limit in Wiltshire
A section of the M4 motorway is set to face a year of restrictions and overnight closures
South Swindon parks brighten up with 300 new bulbs and plants
Winter planting is bringing a splash of colour to South Swindon’s parks thanks to fresh beds of bulbs and flowers
Swindon smokers offered free quit support and Swap to Stop vape kits
A drop-in event is helping more people begin their journey to quitting smoking for good.
Penhill 10-year vision and four-year investment plan set for resident input
A draft plan for investment in Penhill was discussed at a board meeting
Swindon artists invited to create giant woodland creature lanterns for winter display
Swindon artists are being invited to create giant lantern sculptures for a winter art display.
Homeless veterans 'camping on Salisbury Plain' as council buildings stand empty
Homeless veterans are said to be camping on Salisbury Plain while council-owned properties stand empty.
Car wash allowed to stay despite already operating without planning permission
A Swindon site can be used as a hand car wash after operating without planning permission.
'Remorseless paedophile' avoids jail again after breaking orders
A paedophile who forced his eight-year-old victim to stand trial has now appeared back in court and avoided jail.
Anger ramps up over longstanding fly-tipping in 'hotspot' alleyway
Fly tipping in a Swindon alleyway has become a longstanding problem for residents and is causing health and safety concerns.
Taps stop running as water supply hits homes
Homes in Swindon have been hit by water supply problems this evening with some residents finding nothing coming from their taps.
Woman, 36, found safe after going missing in Swindon
A woman who was reported missing from Swindon has been found safe.
Singer and I'm A Celeb star spotted in Swindon ahead of famous meet-up
A priest and singer who has appeared on some of TV’s biggest shows including I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here and Strictly Come Dancing has been spotted dining in Swindon.
Here's why roadworks can be seen along busy Swindon route near school
Swindon Borough Council will complete resurfacing the cracked Dorcan Way cycle path by next Wednesday, improving safety for schoolchildren, cyclists and runners.
Man accused of making 'chores spreadsheet' and limiting when partner could drink tea
A man accused of making his wife a spreadsheet of household chores and limiting when she could have a cup of tea has now been charged.
Do people want a direct train to Birmingham? Mixed response to new route plan
Plans to restore a direct rail link between Swindon and Birmingham have sparked a lively debate on social media, with many residents welcoming the prospect of easier travel while others questioned ticket prices, the economic benefits and whether the project will ever...
Fury over 10 days of power cuts as school forced to close
Residents in a village near Swindon say they have been left frustrated and worried after enduring repeated power cuts for 10 days.
Dangerous knives found dumped in public litter bin
A council worker was put at serious risk after knives were dumped in a public litter bin despite a dedicated knife surrender point being located nearby.
BREAKING: Swindon boxer admits he's a rapist as trial called off after 3 days
A heavyweight boxer from Swindon who denied raping and strangling a woman has now told the courts he did it, three days into a jury trial.
Plan to allow 11 people to live in 6-bed student house
A 6-bedroom HMO near Swindon's town centre could accommodate 11 people if a new planning application is approved.
Wiltshire man runs for over 40 hours after mum's 'cruel' diagnosis
A man from Wiltshire has run 184-miles in just over 40 hours to raise money for a motor neurone charity following his mum's diagnosis.
Wiltshire man accused of imprisoning and trying to murder woman
A Devizes man has been charged with attempted murder following a number of alleged attacks on a woman.
Man wanted after assault on Swindon bus
A man is wanted by police after an assault on a Swindon bus.
Police ramp up patrols in major crime crackdown
Police are stepping up overnight patrols in a crackdown on multiple crimes.
Calne digital agency helps regional businesses thrive with bespoke web design
Keeping up with the rapid pace of digital technology has become one of the defining challenges for independent businesses across Wiltshire.
Thames Water leaks wasting millions of litres daily as hosepipe ban continues
Water leaks in Swindon are wasting millions of litres every day, as Thames Water confirms its hosepipe ban will continue.
What we know as brewery confirms plans to reopen much-loved Swindon pub are delayed
Here's what we know about the plans to reopen a much-loved Swindon pub.
Swindon agency offers free marketing support to three local good causes
A creative agency is giving away free marketing support to good causes
Wiltshire families encouraged to dive into joys of swimming
Families across Wiltshire are being encouraged to dive into the joys of swimming as part of a nationwide campaign
Wroughton care home residents call for another silent disco after surprise hit
Residents have been dancing the day away at a care home’s first silent disco
Runner pushes two-year-old with cerebral palsy through half marathon
A runner completed the Oxford Half Marathon alongside a very special companion
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust launches £10,000 appeal to transform two nature reserves
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust has launched an Autumn Appeal to improve access and visitor facilities at two of its flagship nature reserves
End of an era as former ice cream shop's home gets new owners
It's the end of an era as the former home of a much-loved Swindon business is now under new ownership.
Wichelstowe coffee morning raises £200 for Macmillan Cancer Support
Cakes and cups of tea helped raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support at a community coffee morning
Swindon firm applies to add two goods vehicles and trailers to its licence
A Swindon firm wants to add two goods vehicles and two trailers to its operator’s licence
The five adorable rescue dogs looking for their forever homes
The charity says the dogs all have different backgrounds and personalities but share one thing in common: the need for loving, patient families to call their own.
12-year-old Swindon boy crowned European Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu champion
A 12-year-old has been crowned European champion at one of the continent’s most prestigious Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions
National Trust reveals autumn half-term trails, crafts and spooky games in Wiltshire
The National Trust in Wiltshire has announced a range of activities for the half-term break
Sunset skydive raises more than £5,000 for Prospect Hospice
A skydive completed at sunset has raised more than £5,000 for Prospect Hospice.
Man who owes thousands in court fines fined again after Morrisons scrap
A Swindon man who owes thousands in court fines has been fined again after an incident outside Morrisons in Swindon.
Children’s mental health services upgraded to good after improvements
Children’s mental health services in the region have been rated good after improvements
Call to protect Wiltshire farm as Jeremy Clarkson warns of ‘terrible’ year
Wiltshire could draw up a major plan to protect its farmers.
Swindon man found NOT GUILTY of sexually assaulting 8-year-old
A man from Swindon has been found not guilty of sexually assaulting an eight-year-old boy, after standing trial in court.
70-metre Bayeux Tapestry reproduction to go on display at Swindon's STEAM Museum
A full-scale 70-metre reproduction of the Bayeux Tapestry will be on display at STEAM Museum
Swindon wrestling show to feature high-stakes four-man TLC match
A high-stakes tables, ladders and chairs wrestling match is set to be part of an action-packed night in Swindon
Detectives honoured after investigation leads to offender’s conviction on 45 charges
Two detectives have been recognised for their "exceptional professionalism" and dedication to protecting vulnerable children
NatWest branch rated worst in Swindon for customer service in Google reviews
NatWest’s Swindon branch on The Parade is rated the town’s worst for customer service, with a 2.5-star Google rating and complaints about staff.
Swindon to host five-day Durga Puja festival celebrating Bengali culture and faith
Swindon Durga Puja 2026 runs October 16-20 at Venue 3, with Bengali prayers, music, dance, food and cultural celebrations organised by the Bengali Cultural Society
Horror stories emerge as regulator finds failings at major UK housing provider
Residents have shared housing horror stories after the UK’s largest housing and social care organisation was found to have “weaknesses” by the Regulator of Social Housing.
Wiltshire couple celebrate rare milestone as both reach 100 in the same year
A couple are celebrating a rare double milestone—both reaching 100 years of age in the same year.
Huge concern for woman, 36, last seen this afternoon with backpack
Police have launched an urgent appeal to find a 36-year-old woman after saying they are concerned for her welfare.
Legendary Flying Scotsman to steam through Wiltshire towns
One of the most iconic locomotives in British Railway history is set to come to Didcot Railway Centre.
Warning to dog walkers as sheep roam loose
Dog walkers have been urged to keep their pets on leads after sheep were spotted roaming loose near a nature reserve in Swindon.
CareCo to Open New Mobility Showroom in Swindon This Friday
CareCo is opening its 41st UK showroom in Swindon on Friday 16 October 2026. The new Elgin Industrial Estate store will offer mobility scooters and other mobility aids, with accessible facilities and expert advice to help local residents maintain their independence.
The Cotswolds staycation for fans of BBC hit show The Traitors
Fans of the hit BBC show The Traitors can enjoy a themed staycation experience in the Cotswolds.
Woman jailed after admitting sexual activity with boy she supplied cocaine to
A woman has been jailed for three years and nine months after admitting to sexual activity with a 15-year-old boy.
UK DIY giant stores are given new life after £803m administration
Former Homebase DIY stores are now being transformed into new M&S foodhalls
UK drivers over age of 70 issued Highway Code rule update
UK drivers over the age of 70 years old have been issued an updater reminder on a must-know Highway Code rule.
Major update on four men arrested for alleged rape in car park of GP surgery
Four young men arrested on suspicion of raping a woman in a GP surgery car park in Swindon have been released on conditional bail.
King Charles to be given almost £100m to fund Royal Household
King Charles III is to be given almost £100m to fund the Royal Household.
JAILED: Knifeman found 'covered in blood' near busy roundabout
A man who was found 'covered in blood' after smashing up a bus stop in Swindon has been jailed, one month after being caught with a knife.
Police warn cars blocking back lanes will be towed
Wiltshire police have announced that they will begin towing cars if they are found to restrict access to back lanes.
'Horror' after four men arrested over 'gang rape' of woman in GP car park
A Swindon councillor has spoken out following a 'barbaric' attack on a woman in a GP car park.
Tesco forced to shut as major electrical fault knocks out tills
West Swindon Tesco closed for over an hour after an electrical fault stopped tills and self-service checkouts.
Richard Hammond, 56, in close to £4 million boost after court cases
It has been revealed that Richard Hammond and his ex-wife are set for a near £4 million boost after several court cases involving the TV presenter.
Details as five-day event with music and dance to be held in Swindon's town centre
Swindon is preparing to host one of the world’s most vibrant festivals.
Landscapers who helped Swindon family appear in DIY SOS
A landscaping company who changed the lives of a Swindon family took part in the latest episode of DIY SOS.
Bistro opened by soap star in town centre closes its doors for good
A popular Marlborough bistro that was opened by a soap star has closed its doors.
Rare King Charles 50p sells for more than 200 times its face value
Only 200,000 were released into banks and post offices, making it the rarest 50p in active UK circulation
DVSA MOT warning as average £700 car repair bills push drivers to break the law
RAC survey reveals one in 10 UK drivers have driven illegally by skipping MOT tests or delaying tyre replacements as repair bills and fuel costs surge.
Warning pensioners could be missing out on £4,500 a year in DWP benefits
The DWP estimates up to 910,000 pensioner households could be entitled to Pension Credit but are not claiming. Find out who may qualify and how to check.
How a sheet of paper can help you cut your energy bills this winter
Simple winter checks on window seals, lofts and radiators can prevent heat escaping and save money on energy bills.
Mary Berry, 91, opens up on her marriage after retirement home joy
Bake Off legend Dame Mary Berry has opened up on her marriage after previously experiencing joy at an Oxfordshire retirement home.
Celebrity TV chef spotted dining at cosy Cotswolds restaurant
A celebrity TV chef has been spotted dining at a cosy restaurant in the Cotswolds, over the Oxfordshire border.
LIVE: GWR trains delayed as trespassers block Swindon tracks
GWR has announced that all Swindon trains are delayed due to trespassers blocking the tracks this morning.
