Another week, another announcement of 'jam soon' from Swindon's pathetic wi-fi dalliance.
Yeah, usual thing 'money will come within days', or 'maybe soon', big shiny investor we won't name, jam tomorrow, JAM TOMORROW!
Swindon Centric Says ; Huge hat-tip to the Swindon Advertiser for showing it's respect for this 'news' by burying it on page 25 of today's edition, exactly where it deserves to be!
Predictions of cracks in the coalition have been doing the rounds since last May and the long-look forward to the next general election has already started.
As reported in the Swindon Advertiser, the former MP for Swindon South, Anne Snelgrove, is in the selection process for the Labour Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for the constituency.
Swindon Centric Says ; Anne and Robert, it'll be a contest worth watching!
With the main work on the Mechanics' Institute now over, the traffic changes, namely the diverting of the buses can now be easily tweaked to improve services.
The current situation sees all town-bound services use the Church Place and Bristol Street route, with all outbound heading along Faringdon Road and Park Lane, due to the narrowing of the roadway with the scaffolding erected at the North end of the Mechanics'.
There's no reason a two-way bus gate, as can be found at the North-Eastern corner of Faringdon Road park on Church Place, couldn't be installed at the corner of Bristol Street and Emlyn Square. The addition of a mirror attached to the wall on London Street could help to improve visibility.
Swindon Centric Says ; How about it Thamesdown, Stagecoach and Swindon Borough Council? A quick bus-win?
The charge towards smartcard ticketing for public transport is being led in Swindon by Thamesdown Transport after the operator decided to move it's concessionary travel scheme onto smartcards.
Thamesdown is going to make the concessionary travel scheme readable by it's new ticketing system in the same way it's network card works.
Swindon Centric Says ; The inter-operability aspect is key, as Thamesdown's MD, Paul Jenkins says, now when are Stagecoach Swindon going to start issuing smartcards?
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. She appears shorter in person, which is quite an achievement at the grand height of 4 ft 2.
9. Excuse me Madam.
8. It's been reported to us that all the stripy ones have gone, that man's not going to be happy.
7. There was me thinking she was a vegetarian, simply because always saw her at lunch with a mung-bean salad.
6. He was impeccably well dressed and seemed terribly polite.
5. There's only a select number of buses on which sitting with an ipad, reading the news wouldn't result in it being nicked, this is not one of those buses, put it away.
4. I go all the way there, can't find what I'm looking for, end up spending all afternoon drinking tea and have had a great time.
3. Try and look at it from my point of view, he's about as attractive to me as a cheating husband who got rejected from Jeremy Kyle for not being enough of a cad.
2. Sandra said to me that if Mark did it again, she'd rip our the Sky dish and put it in a charity sack.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. We're planning on running medical tests on you to see if your ability to function on little to no sleep can be harnessed as a renewable energy source for the nation.
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. I make it my business to know everyone's business, it's a great business.
9. It's all rocking on the top deck.
8. The air conditioning gave up about Covingham.
7. All the stuff's from Ikea, including the pasta.
6. Well lamb is in season right now, not that the chef would know what that means.
5. I'm just not attracted to her, and there was me thinking I was.
4. You add it to vodka, it's a mixer, I'll give you the full recipe when we get there.
3. He's given up working as an accountant, now gardens for people, really smart thing to do.
2. Those shoes aren't new, I just cleaned them.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. I would offer to take her to bingo, but I'm not convinced she can count higher than her age.
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. Stop asking questions, all will become clear.
9. I need to go and see him, I really don't want to unless I'm drunk.
8. They're planning on reducing the planning department by 20 percent, considering their are only 2 people working in it, is going to be interesting.
7. There's a suspect that they've mentioned, but I can't say it was Mark.
6. Banter is the one thing that keeps our school going, that and the fun you can have annoying the neighbours.
5. Trevor suggested I talk to HR, but that woman is so unsociable.
4. Playing football isn't as fun as I remember it being, rather like wearing shorts or not getting enough sleep on a school night.
3. Turn left and go through the 'no entry' sign, don't question it.
2. I haven't seen you for ages, did your stop swelling up then?
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. They have a 2 for 1 on handbags and I haven't bought any since last week's crisis shop.
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. He sat in the corner, made conversation with a few people he didn't know, and avoided eye contact.
9. There's not enough forgiveness in the entire world to make me be reasonable to him again.
8. The framework document's been published and no bugger's going to read it.
7. Guidance will be sought, but they won't go with it, it's a political decision.
6. Stop thinking everyone thinks you're cool, newsflash, they don't.
5. Move your foot and let that woman sit down, consideration is needed when it comes to your attitude to others.
4. I'm going to Wimbledon to watch all the rather odd people who go, don't care about the tennis.
3. They sit with their bags on the seats, then grumble when people ask to sit down, and they're not paying!
2. As we passed the stop he was stood holding his side and laughing into his iphone.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. Keep it covered, don't scratch it and when we get off, keep turned the left, I don't want those pensioners seeing it.
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. Don't shout that loudly, my head will shatter.
9. He stumbled into the wheelie bin at 2.45, don't know where he is now.
8. All the trees have gone, now they're filling it in.
7. There's that creepy guy, it's my aim to creep him out.
6. He went all the way there and came back and didn't tell anybody until a week later.
5. Have you rebooted the machine for a 5th time? That usually works.
4. It was so quiet I could hear her breathing next door.
3. I'm thinking of a salad for lunch, smoothie, followed by a massive 'these are what you've been saving the calories for' desert.
2. He started to clear out his drawer, it's taken him 3 days so far.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. He fell asleep in a chair and had a face like thunder when I left, looked like he had it pressed against a piece of glass.
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. It's as if the guy is taking an evening class in how to act weird.
9. Excuse me Sir, have you seen my goldfish?
8. Oh, lucky!
7. I think it was a particularly poor shower.
6. Seems vibrant enough, but I bet I'm the only one who thinks so.
5. Just because I've got good shoes on, it doesn't mean I'm in charge.
4. Grab what little style you have and we'll see what we can do.
3. I deleted his number, blocked him off facebook, the lot.
2. Apparently, all the kicks are pumped up, it's what I heard.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. What did you put in that punch, it tasted of butterscotch and shoes?
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. It's what I spend my life doing, filing.
9. I think she's finally realised she's more useless than a LibDem in a cabinet position.
8. I can do exciting things, I'm sat on the backseat, see.
7. Sarah always gets cucumbers and courgettes mixed up, rather awkward when she served the Pimms.
6. There's no excuse for that type of denim, or that shape of legs.
5. Look to your left and you'll see exactly what I mean.
4. I don't use roll-ons any more, the aerosol is where it's at antiperspirant wise.
3. I put my key safely in my purse pocket, but now where did I put my purse?
2. Tony hear it from Keith, who then spread it around the corner office and that's where I heard it and put it in an email.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. It's not believable when the chat in confidence is conducted between the photocopier and the main reception room.
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. I need a doctor, but not him.
9. I gave him that money last week, he's losing it.
8. It was well rad.
7. Did you not think the blue one fitted better than the one with the spots?
6. It'll take patience, know what that is?
5. Wish I could play the trombone, I'd love a big trombone.
4. They're going to move it to the left, so less people will know where it is.
3. A car couldn't get through here, but he's gonna try.
2. Did you have the pasty of the melt?
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. I want him to take me dancing, but he won't, I know.
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. Be a good lad and go home.
9. I can read the report, unless you have something to add, it's all there in black and white.
8. Mr. Richardson has been there all morning talking about percentages.
7. Moving my feet will only make this shopping go all over the floor.
6. A more gentlemanly fellow would have given up his seat, but we all know what you are.
5. It's probable that she doesn't even know she's doing it.
4. There's nothing remotely similar in the way they act.
3. For once, it's not my fault.
2. I was looking for an explanation and a new jacket to be honest.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. What would you say you'd list, in order of popularity, of their gluten-free bars?
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
200 not out!
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. It's dirty and underhand, I love it.
9. Don't know her, but I've heard about what she did at Longs last week.
8. Martin refused to listen and now so do I.
7. I left over 10 years ago, feels like yesterday.
6. The manly thing to do is admit nothing and pretend you never heard of it.
5. She still wants a boob job, perhaps on one of them, but not both.
4. You should take on board about half of what he says, then pretend to take on the other half and you'll be fine.
3. I can smell manure.
2. It should be active, rather than reactive, but that's asking for the moon.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. I need to get some new pants, I don't need to tell you why.
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. It's woman and not girl.
9. I want them to go after the nuts.
8. You can't attack someone on policy, it's got to be on personality.
7. I left my brolly on the number 16, I think the NHS have it.
6. All I could hear was 'I don't like it', then I walked out.
5. Can you all stop talking please?
4. Don't think I don't know who the regional manager is, because I do.
3. It was full of religious iconography.
2. This is wonderful news.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. If he was mayor, we'd all be walking around in orange jumpsuits with headcams.
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. We're pushing on this and I insist it's what everyone wants.
9. It's back down to where it was before the bubble.
8. Standard is a word that has new meaning.
7. I suspect it won't come out until it's too late.
6. She needs shoes she can carry.
5. I'd like my change back please.
4. It's not a vault, it's a box with the word 'vault' written on it.
3. There's some truth to the way he lies.
2. No chance of a salsa then?
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. Compassion is hugely underrated, rather like BBC 4.
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
Unconfirmed reports are that Swindon Borough Council's Planning Committee has turned down the application to build on land near Coate Water.
Swindon Centric : A great big, massive hand to those who voted against the building, Councillor Dale Heenan, in charge of the committee, well-bloody-done Sir!
Major changes to Swindon buses services will result in entire areas of town without services on evenings and Sundays from June.
Who's responsible for this change? Profiteering bus companies? No, your own, they-work-for-you, Swindon Borough Council.
Council subsidies being withdrawn almost entirely (which has never happened to this degree before) will leave some areas will no services after eight in the evening. However, Kingsdown and Highworth come off worse, with no service for either area on Sundays, at all.
So if you use the bus for getting to work on Sunday mornings, to go shopping, to meet friends in the evenings, then your quality of life is about to seriously change.
Some will say, it's only, mostly empty buses being cut, but how would car drivers feel if all main roads were closed and gated off after 7pm in the evenings, or weren't open at all on Sundays?
The ability to get from A to B isn't a luxury, it's a basic right and when that's taken away, or severely limited, you're heading down a dangerous path of potentially pushing up an indicator of poverty.
Swindon Centric Says ; Why didn't Swindon Borough Council throw open it's process on these changes and start a town-wide debate on the changes?
Swindon Borough Council's dalliance with Digital City and it's promises the morning after have, for a 3rd time, made the 'Rotten Boroughs' column of Private Eye magazine.
This is on top of last week's news that the wi-fi had won an award. Strangely, when the Adver's Adam Kula (a massive tip of the hat to him, as he's hit the ground running in terms of reporting the town's politics) tried to contact the government magazine that gave the award, the person responsible was said to be climbing a mountain in Nepal.
Could that be the same mountain that everyone's favourite former CEO of Digital City is also climbing?
Swindon Centric Says ; Three strikes and you're out, wind up Digital City now and lets crack on with the daylight-filled investigation of how, what, why and when.
In the most naff move seen since someone paired Mick Fleetwood and Sam Fox to host an awards show, the Conservatives in Swindon have begun to eat themselves, it's official!
The Adver have been informed that the Swindon Tories are to lodge a formal complaint about Labour Group leader Derique Montaut, as the embarrassing report on English Heritage's assessment of the Council's urgent works on the Mechanics' Institute was leaked to them by him, while at the same time threatening to make a complaint about the Adver covering this new development in the story.
This is despite the Adver learning of this latest twist from the Conservative group itself!!
WTF!?
Swindon Centric Says ; Take out the trash stories tomorrow include : 'Tories Start To Eat Young, Digital City Wi-Fi bought by Lex Luthor and 'Enslaving Population To Build Vanity Canal Deemed Legal by Council Leader'
PS - Dave King and all on the Hill, you have Swindon Centric's support on this bizzare and stupid turn of events, take them on, go on!
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. He dances better than he talks.
9. I've never seen a girl like that, I literally have no opinion at all on her outfit.
8. No, don't change it until the drop, it's sick.
7. The 5th one keeps being rumoured all over online, what more can they do?
6. I told him he can't talk that loudly in a quiet street, he's bound to hear you.
5. Don't suspect just because I don't eat chocolate that I don't know one end of a wispa from another.
4. I got less marks on the main, but more on the supplementary, so I'm at the same place I was last time.
3. They're being called the 10 Commandments, the folk in marketing reckon it'll catch on.
2. It's surprising what you can hear by listening at keyholes.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. Compassion is hugely underrated, rather like BBC 4.
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. Hey na na, what's my name... Barbara.
9. It's lighter for a whole hour more and I'm still stuck in a windowless box.
8. You need a better plan, because this one's more useless than an ethical foreign policy.
7. Don't encourage that cat, we don't need another one.
6. I like your hair, because before it only looked half finished.
5. She'll be none the wiser, we'll not tell her.
4. I said get up, what did you think I said?
3. I don't think the Gaga is of this world.
2. There's no sexier postcode than SN25, except maybe 90210.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. It's not as if I walk around in nothing but my underwear all day, unless it's a Thursday.
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. A push and shove job, come on.
9. Greatest British movie ever made?
8. There's so much froth I could open a cappuccino bar.
7. There's an unknown number on the top deck.
6. Whalebridge will gridlock the entire side of the town centre.
5. I'm trying not to panic, but I haven't been out since the weekend.
4. It's a great book for this route.
3. Stop ranting on your phone.
2. It's eye-rolling in the extreme.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. There goes Herme, Seagull and the King!
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. I can see the rich people from my house.
9. I was going to catch the earlier one, but I woke up 5 minutes after it had gone.
8. Is the blue part of the pattern?
7. As long as it rhymes, you've got a marketing jingle.
6. But I don't know who that is.
5. Fry off the sauce, let it thicken up and serve with some bread.
4. I'm never drinking wine again, ever.
3. Everything she's thinking she says, whether it's insulting or not.
2. There's a drinking game involving the Lib Dems, let me think of the rules.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. Let the battle of the buses commence!
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. Hope it gets driven away, it's so loud.
9. The character he pretends to be is more irritating than him normally.
8. Politicians just have to care less about trying to keep their job.
7. He's no longer the Chief Executive, I think Sooty replaces him.
6. They'll try and save it, but it won't work.
5. Muffins are a poor, weedy substitute for a massive piece of chocolate.
4. In Italy they don't permit chavs.
3. There's dirty all over the floor, don't put it THERE!
2. I'm quite happy getting the bus, no fuss for me.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. Don't look to your left, that guy from Saturday is right there.
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. It's a fare boundary, you better dig-deep.
9. I would go up to the top-deck, but the air's rather thin.
8. There's been two missing and now they're changing drivers.
7. I heard that the 54 is going to disappear altogether.
6. It was a sort of cry.
5. I expect she'll be on the next one.
4. They've got a bargain day and everything's practically the same price as the carrier bags.
3. A smartcard? Just don't lose it.
2. Your motives are always cheap.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. She looks like a yeti with that fur round the hood.
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. I don't know what to call it.
9. It's not that I dislike it exactly.
8. When did you decide to bring your attitude with you?
7. Teacakes, whatever happened to them?
6. I'd better get back to those reports.
5. I don't trust the HR department, they're so antisocial.
4. Now listen dear, I can cook, I just choose not to, that's all.
3. I hate the idea of anyone who enjoys watching ITV 1 in primetime.
2. Move over Columbo, it appears you're jumping to clever conclusions.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. Yes, I've bought more shoes, but these are the last ones I'll buy, this week.
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. He's says he's 'in touch', haven't hear from him all day.
9. I added him, but really didn't want to, he creeps me out.
8. Objects wearing horizontal stripes appear fatter than they are.
7. You must have known that I felt like that.
6. You need another 9 pence, look in my purse.
5. I had to shake him away when we got to the roundabout.
4. It's never too much, except before payday.
3. Bargain-hunters get ready.
2. I wonder if anyone's ever bought a real pair of Ugg boots?
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. All the contracts are up at the end of the month.
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. Hold my feet.
9. I'm done, thank you.
8. They're not skin-tight, these are skin type, feel that.
7. He's right out here, no, not there, here.
6. I don't feel properly equipped.
5. Take your kindness and shove it.
4. You are on fire with a song in your heart.
3. I found those pens underneath a cake case on the bargain shelf.
2. He's still got my shirt.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. I suspect it's far far worse than it looks.
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
The consultation period for the Union Square development is underway and Friday and Saturday this week marks the public exhibition to see the plans and the project staff will be there to answer questions and collect feedback.
The exhibition will be at the Central Library in Regent Street on this Friday, the 4th, 2pm-8pm and Saturday, the 5th, 10am-2pm.
No doubt the biggest areas of interest will be...
- The Whalebridge roundabout removal and replacement with traffic lights. Will Fleming Way be accessible for buses from Princes Street & Corporation Street? How will it effect traffic flow along these two roads and along Fleming Way towards the Magic Roundabout?
- What will happen to the Octagon Restaurant? Easily the town centre's best greasy spoon after a night out!
- How tall will the buildings on the edge of the area be, especially along Corporation Street and Manchester Road? Will building design make an attempt to link the two areas and see those terraces are not overlooked?
Swindon Centric Says ; This is the chance to have your say, don't miss it!
PS - If you can't make the exhibition, you can submit your views here, the Union Square website is now live and has a wealth of information.
Satirical magazine Private Eye has covered the Wi-Failed debacle again in it's Rotten Boroughs column in the latest issue.
Regular readers will know that Private Eye also picked up on the scheme in a previous occasion last year.
Swindon Centric Says ; Meanwhile, the link to the Technology Strategy Board's press release about the awarding of a grant to Digital City still returns an error message, appears they're keeping their position, and their money, to themselves?
The Great Western Main Line, through Swindon to Cardiff will be electrified, with the delayed decision that was announced today.
At long last (though it won't happen any earlier than 2014 if you read the detail) the golden egg for railway investment, electrification, will happen for passengers from Swindon.
Swindon Centric Says ; Of course, whether the Department for Transport can get to grips with the Intercity Express Project and whether bi-modal trains will work in squadron service will be closely watched.
But Swindon's going to be 'under the wires', for THE railway town, it's a wonderful addition!
Chloroform, oh, I'm sure some wish they were sleeping through this mess.
A simple letter to West Lothian Council has revealed that they received no contact from any of the 'Scrutinising Four' as I like to now call them.
This follows the suggestion by many of those involved in Digital City that the reason the business hasn't been doing well (or okay, or fine, or adequate) is because people have been taking about it.
Swindon Centric Says ; A transparent, responsive, professional local authority, welcome to West Lothian, you are now leaving the Borough of Swindon.
This just remembered...
One of those that decided to wrongly name names about the stalling of the Digital City wi-fi was everyone's favourite North Swindon MP, on the Graham Mack BBC Wiltshire Breakfast Show and Swindon Centric, along with others has the download.
The clock for apologising continues to tick...
Like a bad cheap paper-back, the wi-fi struggles on, sweaty, out of breath and on the verge of collapsing the town's dignity.
Swindon-based quango (that's a government body, with public money, but kept at arms length and told to get on with it) Technology Strategy Board awarded the Swindon Signal project (the failing business that's been given nearly half a million pounds of Swindon taxpayer's money, with nothing to show for it) £331,000 in total.
For the full details, click here.
Swindon Centric Says ; Will TSB withdraw their funding after realising the dog's breakfast of a situation Digital City/Signal/Aqovia are in?
This just in...
Currently the link to the TSB press release (from November, so this is old but certainly not out of date news) isn't working. Are they reconsidering the award of the funding?
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. There's sun and showers for all.
9. Guess what, she's still his wife, even after all this time.
8. Put your phone away and look at me please.
7. When it got rubbish, you should have changed the channel.
6. It's time for you to just pick yourself up and carry on.
5. In the name of God I don't care at all, just let me read this.
4. We've had this conversation a few times this week.
3. I saw them in New Look, then decided I couldn't buy them and feel ethical at the same time.
2. Corned beef, tomatoes and celery.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. You're on my list of suspects after my packet of biscuits went missing from special drawer, you could be untrustworthy.
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. I think you're doing great, even if nobody else does.
9. We need to end this right now, before one of us gets hurt.
8. She came in after the 5th date and said they were getting engaged.
7. From his marriage to all that's happened with Shelley, the man must be exhausted.
6. Just because the teabags don't produce the colour you're use to, it doesn't mean there's a plot afoot.
5. I should take you on tour with a sound like that.
4. Where did she go, the top deck?
3. The card readers are going, as the tech moves on.
2. I'm just surprised that it took him this long to start talking.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. There's a whole lot of snobbery between Rodbourne and Rodbourne Cheney.
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
For a wi-fi company that's meant to be "innovative", the vanishing of your website doesn't inspire confidence in any potential investors.
But that's exactly what's happened with Swindon resident's-funded Digital City (they have £450,000 of our money), who's website vanished into the clear-blue sky yesterday.
Swindon Centric Says ; A valentine's Day business massacre? Everyone'll be wearing red, so it wouldn't show, got to look at the tiny positives.
Online, on the airwaves, and now in print the calls for an end to the Digital City era have been made.
Read Des Morgan's view and analysis of this here.
Swindon Centric Says : Save our Swindon, our money, our name and our reputation, wind up Digital City now.
If the council leader can invoke the Swindon coat of arms and motto, so can any of us.
A review of what the latest level of bizzare activity at Digital City means for Swindon has come to the ultimate conclusion.
Read Geoff Reid's post here.
Swindon Centric Says ; If those involved aren't willing to step-down then it requires that residents step-up and highlight the embarrassment, waste and hostility this project has caused Swindon. This town is ours, those who work, live and grow-up here.
This project is causing serious and deep damage to our town, those involved have a decision to make, see it through the eyes of the people of Swindon and decide.
Health and industry, so our motto is... but is this industrial project about as healthy as a dead parrot?
Like a Saw film sequel, it just gets worse...
Avidity Consulting, the company that owns shares in Digital City (the company we, the residents of Swindon have a stake in) changed it's Director at the end of 2010. Read Geoff Reid's post here, it's explained far better than I could.
Swindon Centric Says ; How can you give up shares in a company you're no longer Director of?
A line has to be drawn in the sand, end this fool's errand. It was a bad business investment, it was just bad. For the sake of the town, it needs to end now.
Congratulations to Graham Mack (BBC Wiltshire) for holding Rikki Hunt to account (click on the first link with the title 'Ricki Hunt talks about Swindon's wifi' for the full interview) for the quagmire that is Digital City.
Swindon Centric Says : A hat tip to Graham Mack. With the reinvigorated efforts from the Swindon Advertiser and now the BBC, it would appear those based on the hill have cleaned off the field-glasses and are peering once again down towards the Civic Offices, well done chaps.
October, ahh, the month of autumn, golden days with crisp frosts, crunchy leaves and the ancient festival of Halloween.
Do you remember last October?
If not, you should. It was the last month that Digital City (the business that has £450,000 of public money from Swindon Borough Council, as a loan) repaid anything to Swindon Borough Council.
Swindon Centric Says ; But not to worry, we've been assured a private investor is waiting in the wings to buy out/in Digital City and it's conditional on us getting our money back, as our-councillor-on-the-board has said.
Hold on though, wasn't this the same councillor who said the money was being paid back?
Swindon Centric's probably just light-headed from the private investor promise, Lord Ashcroft-backed investor maybe? Sounds super!
"I have it on good authority that if you type 'google bus' into Google, you can break the internet"
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. I'm not really a fan of him, but he was rather funny.
9. New series of Being Human, yey!
8. There's three reasons he won't go out with you and coming onto me on the way home is going to give her a fourth.
7. They need someone with knowledge of pre 1973 policies, so my job's safe.
6. I thought if people wrote in in big enough numbers it might come back.
5. She drinks far too much and can't remember a thing about it the next morning.
4. Did you remember to remind me about that thing I shouldn't forget?
3. I'd put a fiver on him not coming back, but being on facebook all the time talking about it.
2. I want to get a copy of that book, I'll have to ebay it, amazon is so corporate.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. In 1840, one man transformed travel in Britain, and he wasn't Brunel!
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. What's your pin?
9. The whole thing is coming down in May.
8. Keep your hands over there.
7. You want the other side, 24.
6. There are no windows at the back!
5. The report he wanted me to finish is never going to be seen by anyone, so I just filed the file with blank A4 and headed for the shops.
4. That's all your time used up, sorry.
3. I don't quite know how to tell you this, but she doesn't like you.
2. Where did that come from? Aldi? Well, take it back, it's horrid.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. You could have made more of an effort and worn less clothes.
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. Stick a needle here.
9. It's a bargain all the time!
8. I really want to meet your mother.
7. There's a streak of crazy running through this town.
6. Time to regift.
5. How do I tell him I think he's the embodiment of idiocy?
4. There's nothing wrong with that, sort of.
3. The wine was non-alcoholic, why?
2. He's the Grandad of the modern estate.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. His birthday card had all the warmth of a government deficit reduction plan, an icy feeling.
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
Swindon Centric is now on Twitter.
You can find us at @swindoncentric
Swindon Centric Says : More damage, in less characters!
That's pretty much it really.
After many weeks of promises of "an announcement soon", the straw that broke the camel's back appears to be a combination of Geoff Reid's words on Talk Swindon and (suspected) decision on the running of a story with-or-without comment by the Swindon Advertiser. They did comment.
Swindon Centric Says ; There's no money left, new investors are sought for what Councillor Perkins (who's coming across more and more like the Walker character from Dad's Army) still insists on calling "innovative" (it's not, it's wireless internet, it's been around since 1999).
Two questions now need to be asked :
What's our money been spent on?
and
Is the fundamental part of the council's checks and balances, the scrutiny process (that decided this investment was sound) unfit for purpose?
plus
How rotten are Swindon Borough Council's processes if this has been allowed to happen?
and one more for luck
Will the Swindon Borough Council councillors who openly criticised Chris Watts, Des Morgan and Councillor Steve Wakefield now apologise as this admission now vindicates their concerns?
The business idea itself was just bad, plain and simple. It was a bad investment idea.
A tremendous new year to all, now on with the important stuff...
The majority of Skanska contractors, who installed the new paving in Regent Street (and initially in Canal Walk) have done the job, but they may be regularly returning (not just for future contracts for other public realm work), but for maintenance on the Leader's New Paving.
The choice of paving slabs was altered by the council leader (according to whispers and despite advice from, you know, engineers), but they're slightly soft, which makes them absorb muck, tire tracks and other debris at an alarming rate. Happily, a budget for regular jet-washing of the paving has been set.
However, if you stroll along Regent Street, up from the fountain, you'll see several holes (no bigger than the size of a two-pence piece) appearing in the middle of slabs which are in the centre of the street.
Is this caused by the softness of the material chosen, the jet-washing, or a combination of both?
Any work on this will have to wait for Councillor Bluh (THE man for micro-managing) to return fully to work, having been scarcely seen since the start of the year.
Swindon Centric Says ; According to Swindon Borough Council employee rules, I'm sure after two days he's provided a sick-note to those in HR, giving his reasons for his absence.
Is there a tick-box for 'leadership challenge' on a doctor's note these days?
If only parts of Scott Pilgrim had been filmed on the number 15.
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. Changes in attitudes and latitudes, I saw it over his shoulder.
9. Do you like asparagus?
8. It's a confidence thing - no one else is as good as him.
7. I suspect they've ran out of double-deckers.
6. The number 13, 14 of 19.
5. Move the eggs to the cloth bag, or you'll be having an undercooked, impromptu omelette on the bus.
4. I haven't seen it advertised anywhere, but believe me, it's there.
3. Jackie said that Hayley had seen Tyrone, she was majorly embarrassed.
2. We nickname it Spiffington Manse, sounds better than The Lodge.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. They've reduced all the 2010 New Year-branded stuff, I bought a bagful.
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. Is that you, or a thin version of what I hope you would be?
9. It's howling like a wolf at the vet's.
8. Stacey wouldn't like a set of hair straighteners as her main present.
7. If it explodes, there's going to be presents all over the bodies.
6. Who cares who carves it? Is it going to make him less of a man if M&S have pre-sliced it?
5. The bell will toll for not just thee, but the entire rotten bunch of you, give me it back!
4. Preparing for some Christmas sharin', or words to that seasonal effect.
3. They stop after 8 o'clock, considering the last one's at 4.25pm, it makes very little difference.
2. His reply was as expected, moany, lacking in any interest or respect and via a memo.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. Remember me? I used to run around after you before I realised what a cow you were?
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
There's more excitement on the top deck.
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. It's a buffet, there'll be paper plates I'm sure.
9. Sounds like lift music to me, not that I've ever been in one.
8. Much like the elastic in your pants, it's failing all over.
7. Hold on, my hands are full.
6. Check and see whether he's home yet, if not, we'll go to my mother's.
5. You've got to be joking me?
4. He seemed frightfully surprised, throughout the evening, that I could, and was, dancing.
3. Take your hat off, this is not a film noir.
2. I see that you bought shiny wrapping paper, rather devil-may-care for you?
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. It's doubtful it'll be busy, besides, who shops in their, apart from mercinaries and your family?
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
With buses still running through the snow today, this news of a price cut (yes, CUT!) by Stagecoach in Swindon and Thamesdown Transport seems terribly appropriate.
The 7-day TravelPassPlus (allowing unlimited bus travel on both companies buses within Swindon and out to Wootton Bassett, Cricklade, Highworth, Foxhill and a host of other places) is being slashed to £10 between the 9th January and the 5th February.
This is great news for those who commute from places outside the town and passengers within Swindon. The usual price for a 7-day TravelPass in the Swindon area is £13 and for those in the 7-day TravelPassPlus area is £15.
Swindon Centric Says ; Well done Stagecoach and Thamesdown, get saving those pounds in the New Year!
A 'where-aren't-we-now' story this week by the Swindon Advertiser's Charley Morgan did well to keep the public's attention on the collapsing council-backed project.
One comment by everyone's favourite 'Your councillor on the wi-fi company's board', Garry Perkins is very telling.
The quote is, "And we hope a large part of the town will be completed by this time next year."
When Rikki Hunt (CEO of Digital City, the company meant to be doing the work) appeared on Graham Mack's Swindon Breakfast Show on BBC Wiltshire at the start of October, this exchange occurred...
Graham Mack : "So it'll be finished this time next year?"
Rikki Hunt : "Yeah".
Swindon Centric Says : Who's right? Who's wrong? Who knows?!!!!
PS - If you're having a Christmas Party this weekend, Swindon Centric wishes you a great time, and hopes you can leave work worries at the door.
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. She was a force of nature.
9. It's down Fleet Street, no, the really grotty bit.
8. I've now become 17% more productive since getting divorced.
7. How many people did that and got away with it though.
6. Salmon, chicken or pasta, you have 10 seconds to decided.
5. At home last time I checked, among the mass of memories in the garage.
4. I couldn't stop laughing, then realised he was just getting warmed up.
3. Four layers, I am the Layer King!
2. There's a thaw coming, hold onto your frozen bits.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. I predicted a riot and look what happened, hope they know a good glazier.
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. Trickle-down doesn't work.
9. Horizontal and vertical strips, do you have the number for the fashion police?
8. You've sold yourself to your work.
7. He stands around, cheers occasionally, and comes home with a cold.
6. They're so upset, they're practically throwing chairs against the wall.
5. She's shaking hands with all the people who'd rather have the job.
4. It's still likely that he'll act like an idiot and make you stand up.
3. How do I sweeten the offer without pushing Sarah into a diabetic coma?
2. The deal stands, you owe me a tenner.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. I'd rather you didn't kiss me, but go on!
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. I oppose your incompetence.
9. Two out of the three people in our department thing he'll be gone by the Spring.
8. I will do everything in my power to look as inappropriate for the end of year party.
7. You know me, the chase is half the fun.
6. We think it's wrong, that's the official line, meanwhile, we're all doing it.
5. It's being held hostage by free-loading idiots.
4. I suspect your plan may have more holes than a fishing net Sandra.
3. He asked her out, she was only 15!
2. This notion that we're all safe is exactly what they want us to think.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. When everyone start using sweet potatoes?
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. Does she have a pin and where is it?
9. We're ignoring the pressure all around us.
8. You are asking for trouble.
7. It adds 900 million pounds to the debt.
6. In return for that, I want you to promise me you'll stop being a sod.
5. No decorations this year, I can't be arsed.
4. The 'modern economy', no-one knows what that means!
3. What about your continuing ability to be suave?
2. Christmas party in November, say what?
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. You've got to fight for your right... to a seat over the wheel arch.
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
Click here for the original and still the best at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.
10. It's got a shot of whiskey in it, for that extra double-kick.
9. It gave me a great chance to waffle until the senior managers started to lose feeling in their budgets.
8. Bus pass, BUS PASS, where is it?!
7. I put it to you that it's the hottest topic of the moment, iphone or blackberry?
6. That wasn't romance, that was wine.
5. What's your pin, so we can be in contact even when we're poor and broke?
4. I'll leave you behind at Specsavers and catch you up at Rymans.
3. There's plants all hanging from it, you'll have to see it, I can't describe it.
2. She's planning to dress up with huge pants, a pink top and giant ears.
And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...
1. He's one of life's great thinkers... never done a thing, but he's like your Dad; always thinking.
Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.
After a delay, today saw the green walls in Canal Walk revealed. The larger one on the pedestrian bridge is radically different to what's gone before. The other green wall is smaller, and higher up, on the thin edge of the eastern side of the girder bridge.
Despite the heated discussion about the water feature and the town centre redevelopment, the green wall has got off (relatively) lightly. It'll be interesting to see how it goes, what it looks like in brighter conditions and what flowers/matures on it.
Swindon Centric Says : The green wall is certainly a grower, not too sure about the Mickey Mouse ears being put on the wall of the Brunel carpark at the same time. A moment after this picture was taken, Swindon Centric saw one side of the ears become terribly lopsided, appeared a worker had let go, oops!
Tune in tomorrow to see if the ears are where they should be, unlike Swindon Centric's which are always deliberately kept to the ground.
