Top Ten Things Heard On Swindon's Buses Last Week ; 78

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 culture 'lite'.

9. Everyone else walked, I got on the wrong bus, but still got there before them.

8. On the surface it's all calm, but underneath it's struggling to remain 'as is'.

7. Sixteen minutes left.

6. Let me say hello to him, where is he?

5. A doctor from that university is not a real doctor.

4. The impression I'm getting, is that most people don't know what a recession is.

3. I hit my marks like a gunman on a hit, which is as much as anyone can ask for.

2. I remember the Pob kids show on Channel 4.

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

1. Why don't you say something interesting, instead of just talking about how much money you've been forced to spend?

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

Top Ten Things Heard On Swindon's Buses Last Week ; 77

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. They were expecting thousands and, like, ten turned up.

9. You should have just hung up the damn phone.

8. More on that in a moment.

7. I have chocolate for tea.

6. It's surprisingly spreadable.

5. A guide to the book is available, but not the book itself, how mad is that?

4. He'll fall asleep in the back row and wake up when he wants ice cream.

3. That dynamite powered space heater is going on ebay tomorrow.

2. Never trust a woman who can't spell 'Tuesday'.

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

1. Please don't squint, you'll ruin the whole effect.

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

Top Ten Things Heard On Swindon's Buses Last Week ; 76

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 haven, is what it is.

9. The gates were right next-door to each other.

8. No-one thought to call and report what had happened.

7. It's one election that had very little of people's interest.

6. He forgot to bring the punchlines with him, hence, there was no laughter.

5. Being called 'rugged', is overrated.

4. You've got a third place show on a fourth rate network.

3. People say, 'but you must support the troops', no, if I don't agree with the job they're doing, then, no I don't.

2. I gorged on them and felt awful afterwards.

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

1. I'd prefer a bagel, but if you don't have that, I'll have a vodka and lime.

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

Paper Surprised At Lack Of Interest In Irrelevant Story

The Advertiser was surprised that more people didn't take part in it's online and ballot box poll about a Swindon directly elected mayor.

That may be because it wasn't that vital and urgent an issue to start with when the Link Magazine began running with it in 2001 (in response to the inability of the parties at the time to work together in the cabinet form on the council). The comments by one MP and the council leader seem to agree that it would make "little difference".

Swindon Centric Says ; A directly elected, accountable member of the council and government? Aren't they local councillors and MPs? Lets get back to stories and issues that matter, instead of creating them out of thin air.

Top Ten Things Heard On Swindon's Buses Last Week ; 75

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 spending good money to see that.

9. The vicar didn't know where to put his face.

8. That's all very well and good, but it doesn't count for anything.

7. There's going to be a run on fresh ginger.

6. Her boiler knackered out and now she's got flu-like symptoms.

5. They need double-deckers on that route.

4. A public hearing is due to be called.

3. As long as he doesn't make the connection, which I doubt he will.

2. Couldn't someone have let her keep the pieces and just given her the money?

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

1. I'm starting off calling the 'credit crunch' what it is, a 'recession'.

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

The Mystery Of The Vanishing No. 1 Sunday Bus Part 2

It would have been far more satisfying if it had been found that the vanishing of the number 1 bus had been the result of a wormhole or some other space time continuum phenomena.

However, it wasn't.

In a welcoming move, service numbers 1, 13, 14 and 17 will now be operated by Thamesdown on Sundays. The timetable details on their website make no mention of 'these services are supported by Swindon Borough Council'. So, may we be the first to welcome Thamesdown to seven days a week private commercial operation of services? Never mind that the company is owned by the Council and that technically that means they are publicly operated and that some services are subsidised for the social good otherwise, your head will explode.

So in a welcome move, six town services will increase in frequency on Sundays, combining the Thamesdown and Stagcoach service changes. Great news, except, the finish times for the Thamesdown operated ones don't run very late at all. This means if you're on those routes, you can't get into town past 17.30 on a Sunday.

Swindon Centric Says ; Maybe Thamesdown will soon announce Christmas late evening services for shoppers, including Sundays, could these be made permanent?

The Mystery Of The Vanishing No. 1 Sunday Bus

If there was a Swindon based weekday afternoon gentle detective comedy-drama, then this would be a suitable case for them.

As we covered recently, Stagecoach are expanding buses in Swindon on Sundays from the 26th of October. However, the new timetable book for Sundays from Stagecoach includes the following line in the summary page, 'We regret that Service 1 will no longer be operated by Stagecoach.'

Any timetable details on Thamesdown Transport's website includes nothing on whether they may be taking up the Sunday mantle. A glance at the network map for Sundays shows the pale area to the west and east of the town which will be left worse off on Sundays.

Swindon Centric Says ; So, what's happening? Since Stagecoach will be able to run some Sunday services without subsidy, why is the number one bus being withdrawn? If Thamesdown will be running the service, despite their aversion to Sundays, why hasn't it been announced with five days to go before Grange Park and Covingham get a six days a week service?

Swindon Borough Council have been contacted through their not-updated-that-frequently transport website for a response.

Top Ten Things Heard On Swindon's Buses Last Week ; 74

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 isn't any sunshine, look.

9. The spirits are with us, especially in County Road.

8. He stole a Mars bar in a moment of desperation.

7. Are you plugged in, then lets get going.

6. Does this bus have a flux capacitor?

5. She can't make macaroni, but she's a dab hand with a french horn.

4. What is a hockey mom can anyway?

3. I'm never driving again if they get rid of the speed cameras.

2. They need to run a dedicated bus to and from New College.

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

1. Just 21 days to go, do you have a badge or sticker to wear yet?

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

Disjointed Journalism Hits The Window Pane

Yesterday's story about the Adver's coverage of town schools has been vindicated by this story from today.

Brand new modern windows, that fit in with the style of the building is a welcome step forward in standards for the school. However, why wasn't this included in yesterday's lead story to balance things up?

Swindon Centric Says ; Worst of all, no mention is made of yesterday's story in today's. Seems that joined-up-journalism still has yet to reach 100 Victoria Road.

Top Ten Things Heard On Swindon's Buses Last Week ; 73

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 shall adjourn to the top deck.

9. Look, there it is, the number one stop, I told you so.

8. I do as much as I can to offend as many as I can.

7. Listen to this one.

6. He just hit a van, did you see it?

5. We don't stop in this part of town.

4. The Wispa is back, sssh, don't tell everyone.

3. Walks back, doesn't stop and never looks behind him.

2. I'm telling you, our stops are on the same side of the road.

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

1. Five minutes to go, does anybody want a smoke, or are you all healthy?

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

Irony Takes A Walk In Rambling Story

A story about a group of angry ramblers is devoid of any sense of itself.

The ramblers are complaining about the unfinished new footbridge across the Front Garden and the fact it leaves them having to walk an extra mile on their rambles.

Swindon Centric Says ; Rather like a chocoholic complaining that their favourite bar has doubled in size and is heavy to carry home.

Poverty Is Relative ; To How Much You Spend

Any coverage of child poverty, especially if you can localise it to your own town is welcomed.

However, if you find a local example to show this plight, surely you'd listen to what they said and possibly pause and say "pardon", when they tell you how much they spend on their child's school uniform.

Kerry Thomas said how difficult things are for her, with little spare money. But she also said she spent £200 on her five year-old son's school uniform.

Swindon Centric Says ; What is costing her £200 in uniform wares? Did she not hear about the £4 uniform that Asda launched in the summer. It may have sold out, but the 'normal' prices are still cheaper than £200.

Supersize Swindon's Sundays ; Buses Go Big In Town Services

CORRECTION : The reduced Sunday DayRider offer actual began on this Sunday, the 28th, and runs until the end of November. Sorry for the error.

Anything bus related, indeed any improvement in public transport deserves coverage, as does Swindon's Sunday bus changes.

Stagecoach has seen increased levels of patronage on the Sunday services, to the point now where some don't require council subsidy. As a result of this, frequencies are increasing from 26th of October and a promotion will be underway, with a DayRider (use it all day on all services in the town) being cut back to it's old price of £2.50 from £2.90 on Sundays.

The number 8 to Freshbrook will double to every half an hour, number 17 between Penhill and Park North becomes every 20 minutes and the number 12 will take the regular weekday 13/14 route and increase by 100% to half hourly.

Swindon Centric Says ; Well done Stagecoach for taking the initiative, this has been a long time coming for Sunday travel to be better. But, what policy is it that Thamesdown Transport has which means, apart from the hospital 16 service, it doesn't run any other buses on a Sunday. Since it's Swindon Borough Council owned, why is this?

Top Ten Things Heard On Swindon's Buses Last Week ; 72

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 wouldn't publicly state your position while we're sat at the bus.

9. We have a choice, but I don't understand either of them.

8. Don't eat it all at once, unless you want the bus tires to explode.

7. He's as incoherent as a John Prescott speech.

6. Fuzzy buttons, hooray!

5. He's listening to Kings Of Leon, hmm.

4. Rhubarb tastes better with brown sauce.

3. I hear they're going to sell the Bradford & Bingley bowler hats to raise revenue.

2. What do you expect, there is a war on.

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

1. I've had enough, lets send in the flapjacks.

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

Regent Place Development Plans Show Area Earmarked

The proposal for the redevelopment in Granville Street and immediately north of Commercial has been made available in online form.

Swindon Centric Says ; Thanks to Komadori's knowledge, the areas shaded blue are 'overfly' right areas for the cranes needed for construction, while those in pink are the compulsory purchase properties.

Economy Doesn't Stop Thomas Homes Churchward Scheme

Stumbled on this, interesting video about the scheme to build on the site of the former Crane Shop. Part of the new build will make use of the 'propped up' southern and eastern walls of the Crane Shop. The traverser, which dominates the site, will be reduced in size. The traverser itself isn't original and was transfered from south of the tracks, previously in use at number 19, the Carriage & Wagon Shop, being moved across the main line during reorganisation at the works in 1966.

Swindon Centric Says ; Hopefully work on this, which has already started, is guaranteed to continue and not be temporarily halted, no matter what the economy does. It'll be strange to see people's living rooms through the disused windows in the propped up walls when work is complete. Talk about a reincarnation.

PS What was the original reason that during demolition at the works site, the walls were left in place? Surely someone knows?

Top Ten Things Heard On Swindon's Buses Last Week ; 71

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. Then take he to see a film like a normal person.

9. Why would you want your two best mates to tag along on your anniversary?

8. They need to open it up to competition, then the whole town would benefit.

7. All those Rugby players and their legs, hmm.

6. When's the equinox?

5. Legend has it he appears at twilight at the edge of the road.

4. Baking it yourself is far cheaper than you'd imagine.

3. How many buggies can we safely take?

2. There was little outrage, which I think they were hoping for.

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

1. The Sunday buses are going to increase in frequency, at, flippin', last.

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

Front Garden's Grass To Grow Long As Housing Policy Gets Muddy

As expected, housebuilding on the majority of the Front Garden will not start this year, as the council has suspended choosing a developer. 200 low-cost houses will still be built.

A common sense decision; however this illustrates an unattractive part of Swindon's housing policy. There are still many unbuilt and half-built houses in North Swindon, on which work has also been suspended. The sense in waiting for one area to be built and occupied before starting somewhere else is obvious.

Swindon Centric Says ; What's less obvious is why work began on the Front Garden, leaving it to look like a dirt-bike track (with the earth churned up for laying of services) for possibly several years. Let's just hope that it's not too late in the year for the grass to grow back to make the garden green again.

Swindon On Course To Beat It's Own Recycling Target

Over the last few months strides have been made in Swindon's recycling and refuse collection, to the point that it has won an award.

Coverage by the Advertiser has explained that the authority avoids, almost entirely, rejecting loads of recyclables due to contamination. We're not sure how they achieve that, but we're unable to find that section of the story online, which was part of the print edition, which explains it.

On a further plus side, the town is currently recycling 47 per cent of waste and has a ten commandments-style target of 50 per cent by 2010, so it's expected to reach that target early.

Swindon Centric Says ; So everyone who has been committed to the recycling shift,residents and council workers, well done.

The Grass Isn't Greener, Or Safer, On The Other Side

The breaking of a promise about saving playing fields has become mired in little clear, honest response from the councillors involved.

As others have reported, saying that "the plans have changed", isn't enough and doesn't explain what's happened to a suitable degree to those residents who received a newsletter saying they were safe.

Swindon Centric Says ; For a conservative controlled council that has it's version of the ten commandments in it's '50 Promises', you can't break a promise and then not give a full explanation. You might like to throw around the '50 Promises' like flashy confetti, but a promise is a promise, whether it's written in a glossy brochure and plastered on construction hoardings (by the new Central Library) or on a single leaf of A4 that's shoved through people's letterboxes.

The people of Stratton deserve a proper explanation. They're waiting councillors...

PS We agree that behaviour of this sort deserves all the ridicule that it has received.