That North Swindon Developers Monies In Full (Sort Of)

Something as boring and everyday as the minutes to a meeting can reveal the most extraordinary of things. In Swindon's case, this includes the whereabouts of the Section 106 monies from the developments in North Swindon.

The minutes from the Haydon Wick Parish Council Meeting of Tuesday 16th August confirm a few things ;

- The processes surrounding Section 106 monies are not transparent. From the negotiations, to the final amount, allocation and spending, the criteria employed and the ease of understanding is not that at all.

- The money originally due to be spent on the road to link the southern end of Thamesdown Drive with the Bruce Street Bridge area of Great Western Way has been reallocated to be used on the Great Western Way improvement work.

- The council seem to be keen to allocate money from developments that haven't happened, as point 56.1.2 shows, with regard to the Tadpole Development, keen to move the money out of the development area to somewhere else in Swindon.

- The £250,000 that was allocated for youth provision in Moredon, seems to have been lost.

Swindon Centric Says ; As much of the public space improvement in Swindon town centre is scheduled to take place under the use of Section 106 Monies, it seems like Swindon Borough Council needs to make it's process for negotiation, allocation and spending clearer, much, much clearer.

Which councillor will take up this baton? We're waiting...

Wi-Failed ; Company Founder Declares Bankruptcy

The twists in Swindon's dalliance into publicly-funded wi-fi takes a further twist with today's news that former Digital City (the company charged with rolling out a wi-fi mesh throughout Swindon Borough using public money) Director Rikki Hunt filed for bankruptcy on 8th of March this year.

Swindon Centric Says ; Millions of questions for Councillor Garry Perkins, the Director of Digital City now and at that time. Did he know and when did he know it? And the other 999,998 questions he should answer as well...

Top Ten Things Overheard On swindon's Buses Last Week ; 216

10. I love Ryvita so much, it's cracking.

9. There's only so many times you can watch a circling pigeon for entertainment.

8. Your use of the word perspicacity is intriguing to me.

7. I have the key and you've got the security code.

6. You seem sure of his guilt, he's not a looter you know?

5. A set of those scales were hidden behind a pillar, so I used them.

4. Why risk your livelihood when you could just dob in the prefect?

3. It tastes like something I recognise, but can't place.

2. He writes like a drunken JP.

And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...

1. Why are you so hostile to my breasts?

Spacious Station Forecourt Given The Right Away

Work on Swindon's railway station forecourt will start within a few weeks after contracts were signed on the £1.75 million scheme.

The plan will include a far-greater pedestrian space, smaller taxi rank, the return of the Jubilee Clock to the town centre after being cleaned and repaired and greenery.

Swindon Centric Says ; The amount of money is relatively small, but will make a big difference to one of Swindon's most important gateways, we'll keep you updated on the work.

Forward Swindon Makes Worthy Nod To Richard Jefferies Past

Swindon's literary son, Richard Jefferies is to gain a piece of long-overdue official appreciation on Monday in the form of something he would have been wholly in favour of, a footpath.

Led by our town's regeneration company, Forward Swindon, a simple footpath linking Coate Water with the Richard Jefferies will be formally opened by Mayor Ray Ballman.

The footpath is part of a longer-term plan to preserve, protect and promote the many links Swindon has with the author and naturalist, Richard Jefferies.

Swindon Says ; "I began to breathe a new air and to have a fresher aspiration..."

Welcome To Grubby Swindon (& How To Clean It Up)

Is there something strange, in your neighbourhood? Who ya gonna call?

StreetSmart, that's who!

Some areas of Swindon are looking decidedly grubby, an increase in the amount of graffiti that's lingering for far longer than it should, overgrown paths and cycle tracks and litter.

But Swindon Borough provides services to rectify all these.

If there's graffiti on your house, you can have it removed, FOR FREE! Just download a disclaimer for the work to be done and send it back in and they'll do the rest.

For other issues, cutting back trees, cleaning up litter, moving abandoned cars, etc, you can email streetsmart@swindon.gov.uk.

The department page, with specific links for the way to get things done on them is here.

Swindon Centric Says ; Let's get Swindon clean!

Coate Water To Have Its Day(s) In Bristol

The decision on whether to allow houses to be built near Coate Water will be made at a planning hearing which is due to start in Bristol on Tuesday 15th November.

Swindon Centric Says ; Is Coate Water as we know it living on borrowed time?

Does Swindon Need To Follow Twitter?

Twitter has become the latest tool in communicating news and reaction to the news. But the revolution in communication is passing some of Swindon's most prominent names by.

Swindon Borough Council has a small collection of twitter accounts, but are infrequently used.

The regeneration arm of the Borough Council, Forward Swindon, had a twitter account that was updated up until around a year ago, but the trace of which isn't anywhere on their revamped website.

Thamesdown Transport and Stagecoach don't have twitter accounts, which compares to the excellent use of the service by First Great Western.

The praise for the best twitter account goes to Swindon Borough Council's Local Studies & Family History section, always diverting and intriguing.

Swindon Centric Says ; Are companies and organisations in Swindon missing a huge trick by ignoring social media and thinking that it'll just go away?

UPDATE : Thanks to the Wyvern Theatre for letting Swindon Centric know about their excellent Twitter account, to be found at @ WyvernTheatre or by clicking here.

Top Ten Things Heard On Swindon's Buses Last Week ; 215

Click here for the original at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.

10. He used to make models out of mashed potato.

9. There's salad in the fridge, but that's not a meal.

8. Keep going and I'm sure you'll show her pants to be the designer fakes they are.

7. When we get home I'm locking it in the cupboard, we're never using it again.

6. Sarah's changing her job, never understood what she's been doing anyway.

5. Conform and you die.

4. She bought those shoes, then returned them after her birthday.

3. Disaronno smells like something you'd eat.

2. If they moved them to the corner by the main doors, then increased the height of the fixture, we'd have massively more room for bleach.

And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...

1. 7 years old, 10 years old and 25 years old, they must have got busy before they got busy.

Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.

Does Swindon Need A Fanfare For The Common Land?

The Coate building decision is now in the hands of officials in Bristol, the Core Strategy response stunned the council, so now's time to step back and consider the bigger picture.

Swindon needs to expand, for a collection of reasons, but sustainability is increasingly coming to the fore. Is now the time for Swindon to seek to designate land as 'common land' and prevent development or inappropriate use of it for the long-term?

Our town has many pockets of land that the Borough owns, Coate Water, Lydiard Park, Lawn, the open spaces of the post-war developments at Covingham, and Nythe, the list goes on. But should we now consider letting a ring around our town to stay as it is, green and made public for all?

Swindon Centric Says ; Swindon does not have a greenbelt, but that doesn't mean we can't protect those areas of land that the town wants to protect. It would make a statement about our town's environmental credentials.

Thoughts anyone?

The Regeneration Now Arriving... Is Currently At A Stand

The first part of the massive Union Square development for the Fleming Way/Corporation Street area is delayed whilst the plans are fine-tuned before being submitted.

Muse, the developer for the area are working on something called 'design development', altering the arrangement and appearance of the buildings of the scheme.

Swindon Centric Says ; So we wait til autumn and hold our breath.

White Elephant Election School For Old Town

The plan to build a school at Croft in Old Town makes no sense to anyone except, you've guessed it, the ruling councillors at the top of Swindon Borough Council.

The school would be in an established part of Swindon, so the roll of pupils would be bussed in from other parts of town (which the council has tried to cut down on in recent years). In May this year, a local school was publicising it had places available for pupils and, the new school is in a part of town that top Conservative councillors are widely expected to stand as candidates in May's election.

Swindon Centric Says ; How reliable is the information that Swindon Borough Council is basing it's decision on of building a new school in an established area with questionable demographics?

Does Section 106 money from the Haydon area play a factor in being spent in Old Town?

How watertight is this decision?

Top Ten Things Heard On Swindon's Buses Last Week ; 214

Click here for the original at this brilliant idea, here's our own version for Swindon's buses from last week.

10. Funding is now a dirty word.

9. I want more for less, how did you know?

8. This isn't worth the screen it's written on.

7. It's typical she's got one of those, it's the only place she shops.

6. For the indoors I though a teal for the TV wall and an aqua for the rest.

5. Hating that song right now, put some Skrillex on.

4. Studies show that I don't care.

3. Careful, don't eat that, it'll go all over me.

2. We're in East Swindon, where's that?

And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...

1. Go and get me a box of Krispy Kreme things, and if you eat just one, it better be the custard one.

Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.

Swindon's Opinions Incinerated With Lack Of Light

Proposals to dot Swindon with a set of high-tech waste-to-energy plants has raised far more questions than answers.

The most concerned are the residents of Oakhurst, who have been informed that the Tadpole Farm housing plan contains a proposal to build such a facility. So you'd expect a flurry of public exhibitions, an open dialogue with community groups and residents?

But this is Swindon and we have to do everything differently, from diesel hydraulic engines, to wireless internet, to local government accountability and engagement.

The technology is rather involved to go into, but is a tremendous step-up from a crude rubbish incinerator, through a process called pyrolysis.

Some have questions about the tech involved, but most concerning is the attitude of 'don't worry, we know best' being released into the atmosphere from Swindon Borough Council.

Swindon Centric Says ; Rod Bluh, do not make this into Wi-Fi Mark II, start publicising this plan to residents now, all over town, start a conversation, if you want to take Swindon into the future, you'd better take the residents there too.

Dim View Of PR Greenwash

With the trial of switching off lights along various stretches of roads in East and West Swindon, those included have been furnished with the above yellow signs.

So why doesn't the sign state the truth? The reason for the switch-off is to save money, the environmental benefit, as virtuous as it is, is simply an added bonus from Swindon Borough Council's point of view.

Swindon Centric Says ; Who signed off on the wording on the signs, because it's to save money, plain and simple. A poor attempt at greenwash.

As an aside, the accusations by taxi-drivers that it will make it more dangerous to drive, are ridiculous.

Locarno Merry Dance May Be Over Soon

The will to prevent the former Corn Exchange and Locarno in Old Town from slipping down the abyss of Mechanics'-derelict proportions seems to have gained a few more footholds in recent weeks.

A meeting between the council and the developer will happen on Tuesday of next week (9th) to whittle-down a set of options to a few that suit both parties that can then form the bulk of a new planning application and get something done.

The scale of the saga on the Locarno is similar to that of the Mechanics' Institute, except the threat of demolition has come sooner, after the owner and developer rightly lost patience with the council.

Swindon Centric Says ; It's almost surprising how quickly things can move when the will is there to get things done. Let's hope next Tuesday marks the beginning of the end for the pontificating about the Locarno.

The site of the owner and developer can be found here, a wealth of information.

Swindon Engages - Council Stunned - Bloggers Delighted

The huge response received by Swindon Borough Council on the Core Strategy has stunned the Council.

After the extension of the deadline for consultation, a flurry of late submissions on Coate were expected, but nothing on this scale. The majority areas that will have been received will concern the Tadpole Farm development, the Coate Water area development and the Eastern Development Area. The EDA will be an interesting one to follow as some of the Swindon ruling Conservatives jumped on the scaling-down of the proposed housebuilding numbers for that area as a political win, when it's actually a small reduction in the number of houses to be built. Indeed it was a two-faced spectacle to see some councillors appose house building of a hundred or so houses next to Lydiard Park whilst shrugging shoulders about housebuilding at Coate and in the EDA (all that happened around election time last year, no connection of course).

Now the real work will begin, with a redrawing of the planning of the town up until 2026, when this Core Strategy covers and many of those 'well, isn't a shame we can't save this countryside' councillor shrugs get thrown-out with this public response.

Swindon Centric Says ; Elections of every single Swindon Borough Council seat happens next May, it'll be interesting to see how councillors who've got involved in planning decisions change, disavow or forget what they said as the planning landscape politic has changed beneath their feet.

The Prince, The Council & The Mechanics' Mystery

The air over Swindon is thick with claim and counterclaim regarding the latest plan for the Mechanics' Institute.

Swindon Borough Council has been in discussions with the Prince's Regeneration Trust since 2010 about getting something done with the Railway Village building. The problem of perception seems to have dominated, with the Council refusing to come out with even a scant outline of what they're trying to achieve with this charity.

However, if we dig a little, we may find something. Several councillor have already mentioned, been mentioning the organisation's name in reference to the Mechanics' for months now, but with the same vagueness for specifics. Back on Wednesday 13th July, at that day's cabinet meeting, there was a reference to the Mechanics' in that meeting (if you've clicked on the link you'll need the bottom of page 28), which went like this... (please be aware the context this part was in the section about the possible transfer of the Council's housing stock to another organisation and the proposed ballot that would take place)

'The consultation on future housing options extends an opportunity to explore wider improvements to the Railway Village area. Preliminary work has been undertaken by the Prince’s Regeneration Trust initially
looking at the Mechanics Institute as an integral part of the area. Whilst acknowledging that it is in private ownership and that a solution for the building currently resides with the owner. There is nonetheless the scope to explore possible joined up options for taking forward the Prince’s Regeneration Trust’s proposals alongside the transfer offer. These particular costs would not fall on the Housing Revenue Account. Furthermore the ballot would not prevent consideration of a solution for the Mechanics that took into account the wider Railway Village.

Quite a meaty passage isn't it? However, if we combine it with what we already know, it tells us a great deal. There is no-way the Council will pay for full or even partial restoration of the Mechanics' and at the same time, it's keen (and actively seeking) to rid itself of it's council housing stock, as it costs a great deal to maintain and upgrade. Plus, we know that the Mechanics', the Railway Village houses and the former Works site are collectively known under the loose term, 'Great Western Historic Area'. So, when the transferring of housing stock occurs (there seems to be no other option being tabled) is it not sensible that a Railway Village house will be deemed and treated differently to a non-listed council house?

Swindon Centric Says ; Is Swindon Borough Council proposing having the Railway Village housing stock deemed separate and of special interest and combining it's transfer to another organisation with the other side of the bargain being long-term restoration of the Mechanics', whilst the lucrative asset transfer of the Railway Village houses occurs?

Thoughts anyone?

Whilst I await feedback, I'll have a cup of tea and a Duchy Original Oaten Biscuit.

Honda - The Power of Nightmares & The Foolhardy Turbine Fear Factor

The issue of Honda being allowed to install turbines at it's South Marston plant seems to become a cloak with which to wear late at night and stalk the dreams of the local populace, if the words of some are to be taken at face value.

For the leader of Swindon Borough Council to state (and others jumped onto the runaway carriage too), or allow himself to be interviewed into a corner and come out with the statement that the Council does not have an economic plan in the case that Honda leave Swindon is either a slippery piece of political sabre-rattling or a schoolboy error.

One side shows it could be a clever piece of politicking, as the planning committee meeting decision on the turbines has been rescheduled after a record 496 people attended the meeting, the decision has yet to be taken.

However, most of the ticks seem to be in the 'error' column.

The recent Coate Water decision seems to show that the Planning Committee has 'gone rogue' (as the recommendations from officers weren't taken into account), therefore any political opinion proffered seems to be pointless in the final decision of the committee.

Then there was the news/PR blitz that happened in the days after, first that Honda's vehicles are the UK's most reliable.

Then the massive broadside that Honda will be building two new models, both in Swindon.

And the last deadly blast from the dead-wrong cannon, that Honda made, despite the impact of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami (and 88% less in it's first quarter profits), £248 million, it raised it's full-year earnings forecast by 35%.

Swindon Centric Says ; So, short of Honda repainting the roof of it's plant with the slogan, 'Honda Loves Swindon' (though the award-winning ad campaign, shown above, extolling the virtues of the day-to-day routine when the plant reopened was near-enough), there seems little prospect of the manufacturer leaving the town any time soon. At the other end of this, saying stupid things, or scaring people is never a trait that will win people's respect, or support.

Perkins Pre-Election Political Posture Pure Pomp & Puffery

The allegation of bad conduct by the former leader of the Labour Group in Swindon has been dropped by Councillor Perkins, the Deputy Leader of Swindon Borough Council.

The allegation related to the release of a document about the Mechanics' Institute, for which basis was paper-thin at best. Since the document with the details which some deemed confidential, was discussed at a council meeting that members of the public attended and the document was available for them, the situation took on a farcical theme.

A further enhancement to the sitcom-like premise, was the threat to the Swindon Advertiser not to run the story, which they were tipped-off about by the ruling Conservative Group itself.

Swindon Centric Says ; The cherry on top of this act is the quote the Swindon Advertiser have from Councillor Perkins, "No hard feelings - that's politics." A rather groundless allegation, mixed with double-talk and topped off with a non-sensical decoration.

The unexpected scene after the long roll of the credits in this story is... Swindon will have full local council elections next year, with every single council seat up for grabs.

But that's just politics, isn't it?

Top Ten Things Heard On Swindon's Buses Last Week ; 213

For fellow Twittee (still think that's wrong) @Runnin4u, and in answer to the question, the bus in question in 'The Mummy Returns' is an AEC Regent III, details here

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. If they build it I'll have to send my washing to a cleaner, and, well, you've seen my pants... exactly.

9. Don't think they'll actually listen, they're as deaf as a coalition underwater.

8. I can't listen to that song without thinking of him and being 95% creeped-out, the other 5% is just regret.

7. Yes, that's right barbecued chicken is on the menu, along with e.coli for afters children.

6. Martina now believes I didn't tell anyone, I swear she must think magical fairies spread the story about her and Steve.

5. Collect up all the glass, wrap it up in a piece of cardboard, tape it up and bury it in the garden.

4. I objected to the traffic implications, the view, the smell, the noise and the fact I don't want a conservatory next door.

3. Isn't Core Strategy something to do with yoga or pilates?

2. She's moving up the street to where those new houses with the smaller gardens but bigger husbands are.

And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...

1. I fully expect when he arrives home to have found that all the locks have been changed, his car's been sold and his manhood will be neatly packed and awaiting collection on the doorstep.

Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.

Milton Road Adds To Deep End In Burst Pipe Bother

Milton Road back in the day, not sure which one though, maybe a Tuesday? Looks like a Tuesday.

Swindonian's heading home on the evening commute would do well to avoid the centre of town as Milton Road has been shut to repair a burst water main.

Swindoncentric Says ; Other jokes/conspiracy theories that the burst main is a test of how Westcott Place would cope with having the canal back through town should be left with other cynical thoughts in your changing room locker (50p).

Credit For Park Not on Perkins

Despite putting his face as that which thought of the idea for the Fleming Way park, Deputy Council Leader Councillor Perkins is wrong.

He didn't think of the idea, as Komadori has said, the idea has it's origins from former Councillor Young and was floated by the previous Chief Executive, Karen Walker of the Forward Swindon company.

Swindon Centric Says ; Perhaps if Councillor Perkins stopped taking credit for the things that weren't his idea and instead got to grips with being the Swindon People's Director on the board of Digital City (the private company set up and given £450,000 of government money to build the failed wi-fi scheme), we might all be better off.

Top Ten Things Heard On Swindon's Buses ; 212

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. Security is such a joke, I actually started laughing when they told me.

9. Are you the one who's responsible for the shoes she's wearing?

8. Sarah told Carol who told Martina and then someone decided to send me a memo about it.

7. You seem to be forgetting I'm on my lunchbreak and all I've had to eat is a macadamia nut that was slightly damp.

6. They diverted it passed the shops and now I have to get the one behind and walk in the verge for 15 minutes.

5. Get someone to press your suit, it's crumpled like a newspaper.

4. No, Chase and Status isn't a 70's comedy double-act, let me explain.

3. We could just breath less and see what effect that has on Sindy, you can guess what I'm hoping.

2. Monetarily, I've never been as well off, so you can see, I'm immensely happy now.

And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...

1. She got all the way back, was heading home and a thing, god knows what, flew out of her jumper, it had come through customs and all.

Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.

Top Ten Things Heard On Swindon's Buses Last Week ; 211

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. Take back what you owe me and we'll call it almost even.

9. It floated right over, then drifted towards the factory and started to drop down behind the trees.

8. Malcolm is slightly more inclined to make stuff up than you'd think.

7. She's had pieces shaved off her leg, some symptoms that I really don't understand.

6. Give it a try, if it doesn't work, what the hell.

5. Whatever she's sprayed on, it smells like it shouldn't have been.

4. You go left, keep on until you reach that high wall, then turn into where it says 'no entry'.

3. Never give them access, once they're in, they're in for life.

2. Have you seen his hair? It looks like whatever was killed to make it suffered in it's last moments.

And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...

1. He's not allowed sausage rolls anymore, he's very depressed now.

Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.

Honda - The Power of Dreams (And Turbines)

The decision on whether to build wind turbines at the Honda plant will be made at tonight's Planning Committee meeting.

There seem to be two main objections to the turbines, firstly the size with each being 393 feet, the second is 'shadow flicker' (not that's not a website-in-waiting that Flicker have in the event of a natural disaster!), which refers to the shadows thrown by the turbines when the sun sits behind them at a specific angle. This link explains the effect better than I can.

What none of the campaigners have said (are they aware of it?), is that Ecotricity, the company behind the plan will switch off the turbines in the event it occurs (as it says in the link).

Swindon Centric Says ; The decision is due this evening and Swindon Centric hopes it goes for Honda to be granted approval. As one person on the Swindon Advertiser comments section on this story has said "I fail to understand such opposition, Swindon biggest building (B&Q warehouse) accross the road of the proposed Windturbines site has not raised so many concerns despite the loss of an orchard, natural habitat, green field and increased HGV traffic (noise, pollution).", NIMBYism seems to have gone part-time!

... This just in...

The Council have decided to defer the decision after too many people turned up at the meeting for them to be able to fit them in the room. It would appear everything about this project is on a big scale. Details from the Swindon Advertiser here.

There Was Once A Man Who Climbed Aboard The Bus...

A piece of culture-jamming, with a rogue piece of poetry masquerading as an official Poem on the Underground. Spotted on a Bakerloo Line service in 2003.


Swindon Centric would like to make all our loyal readers (and those disloyal cads that have stumbled on the blog!) aware of the Domestic Cherry team, a poetry collective with more verses than a church hymn book.

Swindon Centric Says ; As has been said before, far from being a cultural desert, for a town of our size, we punch several times above our weight, with cultural quantities more akin to an oasis.

Down At The Bottom Of The Garden

The excellent blog by Swindon Advertiser columnist Graham Carter has a habit of throwing up true Swindon gems and this latest post is no exception.

A case of a well, whisky and water.

Swindon Centric Says ; I couldn't have resisted trying it too Graham!

New Blogger, New Politics, New Swindon

Thanks to the efforts of TalkSwindon, Swindon has a busy, feisty, and wide-ranging platform for political and current affairs debate.

A new blogger has emerged on the Borough scene, former Swindon South Labour MP Anne Snelgrove has a new blog on all things politics and town, hitting the ground running with a statistical post about Job Seeker's Allowance and GCSE results that's generated a lot of feedback.

Swindon Centric Says ; Councillor Steve Wakefield wrote here, "... who knows politics may go viral in Swindon?" It would be great if it did, but one thing's for certain, political debate and analysis in Swindon went viral nearly 18 months ago.

And it's tipping point? Wi-fi. Strange to think how a huge political stumble has been the making of grassroots democracy in Swindon.

That's one thing the wi-fi has achieved.

4 into 1 Does Go In Swindon's Roundabout Changes

What it use to look like in 1956.

The end of the 4 day public exhibition at the Oasis on the first part of the Great Western Way Highway Improvements for the Bruce Street Bridges junction has seen the information now available online.

The first option has the four roundabouts replaced with a main one, but with full-time signalisation (such a great nerdy word!) of the entire junction, but with an anti-clockwise section of the southern side.

The second option is a bigger roundabout replacing the current four and part-time signalisation (got it in again!) of parts of three of the junctions.

The second option is similar to the Bridgemead roundabout set up further along Great Western Way and appears to be the best option, in Swindon Centric's opinion. This plan would lead to Bruce Street residents having to double-back when coming out of their street, but they would gain more space that wouldn't be a main road (including a footpath and greenery) between the northern end of their street and roundabout. The other issue would be pedestrian access across the junction, no great detail is gone into, but sites for pedestrian crossings are identified. Perhaps if enough feedback is given, Swindon Borough Council will consider a footbridge for the western junction area to link the north and south of the area.

Swindon Centric Says ; Swindonian's love roundabouts and we love them even more with reduced traffic lights! Go for design two, but voice all your concerns about the design, give your views by clicking here.

Top Ten Things Heard On Swindon's Buses Last Week ; 210

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 time you had your party frock on and not your overall.

9. With heels like that, I'm not surprised you've got a look like that on your face.

8. Never have I met such a cheeky monkey.

7. I'm not getting off there, these jeans wouldn't be welcome south of the dual carriageway.

6. Whatever happened to that Katy in the houseware department?

5. The impression is given of being somewhere else, but not here.

4. I got a second wind and I'm well away, you can sleep when you're dead.

3. Get your leg back over there, go on.

2. There's going to be music, fireworks and a stall selling muffins of amazing size, oh yeah.

And the number one overheard phrase on Swindon's buses from last week is...

1. It's a slippery slope, it starts with eating fast food and ends with watching ITV 2.

Overheard something we've missed? Then let us know.

Big Bus Push for Big Arts Day

The link between art and public transport is well known and Swindon will be practicing just that on Saturday, with a dedicated bus service for the Big Arts Day.

Swindon Borough-owned Thamesdown Transport will be running a special service, the 1X every 20 minutes from Fleming Way to Lydiard Park from 12pm until 3pm and from 4.40pm until 7.40pm.

Return services will depart Wilmot Close (just outside the Tregoze Way entrance to Lydiard Park) from 12.14pm until 15.14pm and from 4.54pm until 7.54pm.

There's also Thamesdown's regularly scheduled no. 1 and 1A that runs to Grange Park and along Tregoze Way.

Swindon Centric Says ; A bus and art mega day in a leafy part of town, what more does one need?

Wi-Failed : Another Wi-Fi Announcement About Another Announcement

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!

Former MP Anne Starts The Walk To 2015

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!

Bus Service Quick Two-Way Win

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?

Thamesdown Takes More Smart Ticket Steps

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?

Top Ten Things Heard On Swindon's Buses Last Week ; 209

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.

Top Ten Things Heard On Swindon's Buses Last Week (The New Backlog) ; 208

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.

Top Ten Things Heard On Swindon's Buses Last (Last) Week (The New Backlog) ; 207

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.

Top Ten Things Heard On Swindon's Buses Last Week ; 206

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.

Top Ten Things Heard On Swindon's Buses Last (Last) Week ; 205

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.

Top Ten Things Heard On Swindon's Buses Last (Last, Last) Week ; 204

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.

Top Ten Things Heard On Swindon's Buses Last (Last, Last, Last) Week ; 203

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.

Top Ten Things Heard On Swindon's Buses Last (Last, Last, Last, Last) Week ; 202

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.

Top Ten Things Heard On Swindon's Buses Last (Last, Last, Last, Last, Last) Week ; 201

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.

Top Ten Things Heard On Swindon's Buses Last (Last, Last, Last, Last, Last, Last) Week ; 200

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.

Top Ten Things Heard On Swindon's Buses Last (Last, Last, Last, Last, Last, Last, Last) Week ; 199

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.

Top Ten Things Heard On Swindon's Buses Last (Last, Last, Last, Last, Last, Last, Last, Last) Week ; 198

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.

Coate Building Plan Turned Down!

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!

Bus Beeching Cuts Strike for Sundays & Evenings

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?

Rotten Borough's Wi-Failed Makes Private Eye Again

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.

Rotten Borough Tories Sit On Own Bomb... Then Blame Plunger Manufacturer

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!

Top Ten Things Heard On Swindon's Buses Last Week ; 197

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.

Top Ten Things Heard On Swindon's Buses Last Week : 196

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.

Top Ten Things Heard On Swindon's Buses Last Week ; 195

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.

Top Ten Things Heard On Swindon's Buses Last (Last) Week ; 194

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.

Top Ten Things Heard On Swindon's Buses Last (Last, Last) Week ; 193

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.