Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Heritage sinks in Swindon's deep end

No-one should be that surprised at GLL's proposals for the wholesale ripping-out of the Health Hydro, especially considering their recent past performance (such as the closure of the 2nd pool at Milton Road, the debacle at The Link over the climbing wall and the ejection of the playgroup at the same centre).

If you look beyond the shouty headline, it remains to be seen if this proposal would ever get anywhere, especially inside a listed building.

In a smaller heritage story, the reaction from the Civic Voice was predictably moaning in 'we're in a paddy because we weren't just given the building because that's what we expect'-style. Makes you wonder what they've been doing about it since 2012.

In the same way that Civic Voice complained about the authorised part demolition of the Technical College building in Victoria Road and admitted that they had failed to spot the detail of it in the planning application.

The Swindon Civic Voice is a very long way from it's earlier incarnation when it use to formally and carefully critique developer plans, and was effective.

Now Civic Voice just seems to shout as often and as loud as it can like a child having a paddy.

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Top Ten Things Overheard On Swindon's Buses Last Week ; 348

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

10. I haven't gone too crazy though.

9. And that's why she's single.

8. Runs like a greased weasel.

7. Keep thinking that, yep that's what it is.

6. My bag was full of biscuits when I emptied them out.

5. That place is number two of where to go for breakfast.

4. You could operate it and Claire will never know.

3. There's an app on her phone that tells her what to think and feel.

2. It's filthy, I'm not sitting on it.

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

1. I've rarely showed them in public, except at the party when it was my 50th.

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

Sunday, December 11, 2016

Top Ten Things Overheard On Swindon's Buses Last Week ; 347

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

10. It was all planned out months ago.

9. This was made just using hardboard.

8. But that's soon easy Sam, my brother could do it and he's thick.

7. She got glue stuck on it and got her mate to prise it apart.

6. The hills have ears my friend.

5. Nervous laughter followed by a lot of colouring in, which was bizarre to say the least.

4. The salad was chosen, the safe choice.

3. They go on the weekly reports, but I've never seen anyone read them.

2. You need to get away from what he said and think more about the way he said it.

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

1. I've already considered buying Easter eggs, since I'm all ready for Christmas.

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

Monday, December 05, 2016

Top Ten Things Overheard On Swindon's Buses Last Week ; 346

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

10. We'll have to go to Wilkinsons and buy a lot more outside lights.

9. It's all women down here.

8. He likes technology and is a right knob.

7. I've not heard what you were talking about.

6. I've seen a lot of things, but nothing like that.

5. There was clapping but it was just from that really annoying mother we all hate.

4. She is really shy, but that's not put her off taking her clothes off.

3. But it's okay apparently, because he did pay his council tax eventually.

2. What was it? Marmalade? Again?

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

1. You know Tim's got a GoPro, he dropped it in the lake.

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

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Heenan's Half-Resignation In Council Tax Dispute

"A blip on the radar" is what Dale Heenan called his late payment dispute of council tax that saw his name revealed today and his resignation from the cabinet, but remaining as a councillor.

It seems odd that resigning from his cabinet post but not as a councillor was seen as an appropriate response especially when he also recognised that councillors should be held to a higher standard than a member of the public.

In a last hurrah for Heenan's flagship project as Cabinet Member for Sustainability, Transport & Highways, the tarmac at Bruce Street Bridges that started to crack yesterday evening, just 7 months after the long delayed project was deemed finished, was being replaced this lunchtime, causing 30 minute delays to thousands of Swindon travellers.

They were replacing one metre square area of tarmac.

Cheers Dale! Good to see your council tax being well spent!

Monday, November 28, 2016

Rotten Borough Reality - Democratic Transparency Optional Extra in Swindon

Swindon Borough Council has refused to name the Swindon Borough Councillor who was taken to court for not paying their council tax, with the now legendary quote that "we would not release the details of a member of the public in such circumstances". They then say that they consider a councillor has the same right to privacy.

It appears they have no legal leg to stand on, as other local authorities have named councillors under the same circumstances. Meanwhile the dismissive attitude of SBC on a matter of transparency when councillors should be held to a greater level of moral integrity than anyone else in the town shows just how far things have fallen in the rotten borough.

So, like the Swindon Advertiser (which gets top marks for some quality local political coverage), Swindon Centric says : Give us the name.

Sunday, November 27, 2016

Top Ten Things Overheard On Swindon's Buses Last Week ; 345

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

10. That's her in the photo, pointing towards the door.

9. I prefer prosecco myself.

8. It's all mud, right the way the front door of the shop.

7. He ran off holding his scratch card and singing.

6. We snuck into the bad guys treehouse lair.

5. She's quite right wing in her views, she should be in Trump's cabinet.

4. No there were prawns in it and you know that we don't agree with each other.

3. There were four together and the drivers were all laughing.

2. Tina had nothing but goat's cheese and tic tacs in her handbag.

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

1. We'd probably have accidentally cooked ourselves in the night.

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

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Top Ten Things Overheard On Swindon's Buses Last Week ; 344

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

10. She was as nice as pie.

9. That's what's so amazing about her.

8. I didn't know whether to laugh, cry, or hit him.

7. You look like you've got a spray tan.

6. But really, I've got a serious question for you concerning our future.

5. You can keep those fish fingers I've no interest.

4. You are evil, you are an evil man.

3. It's been so successful I didn't know where to look.

2. They've said it could be a lie.

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

1. You know back in the day we could let someone apply for it and turn them down for being an idiot, now we have no choice but to offer them the job,

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

Sunday, November 20, 2016

Top Ten Things Overheard On Swindon's Buses Last (Last) Week ; 343

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

10. But you don't need me to tell you that.

9. We need to keep it secret until it's announced.

8. Someone from X-Factor, it could be the producer for all I know.

7. Mandy already told Gil what he wanted to hear.

6. No 20 million, it's a really big number.

5. Forget about that until we get home.

4. Scrap that as a present, I'll just get him a voucher.

3. You have no sense of decorum.

2. But it was on my phone, it's true.

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

1. He actually won, so what happens now?

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

Sunday, November 13, 2016

Top Ten Things Overheard On Swindon's Buses Last (Last) Week ; 342

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

10. Continue along here and turn left at the top.

9. There was frost, then rain, then sun.

8. It's the responsibility of all those people who you see upstairs.

7. He doesn't really have a home if you consider it.

6. They're changing it but no-one understands.

5. Is that the same dress you had on yesterday?

4. You've really got to work at being better for her.

3. The first word out of her mouth was moaning.

2. Shocked and horrified sums it up mate.

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

1. There's no way he will win.

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

Sunday, November 06, 2016

Top Ten Things Overheard On Swindon's Buses Last (Last) Week ; 341

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

10. I win, you loser.

9. You're fit, where's the problem?

8. I want a motobike, then a KFC.

7. It's a Christmas shop, all the usually glittery crappiness.

6. I like to keep those type of details to myself.

5. There's less details after it was revealed she was having an affair.

4. No, you want Fleming Way first.

3. The lights went out, someone screamed, then it all kicked off.

2. Claire wanted far more, but she didn't have enough bags to carry them all.

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

1. Who the hell did he think he was looking at? A mirror?

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

Friday, November 04, 2016

Roads to Nowhere?

Stagecoach in Swindon is rejigging routes, numbers and times in the regular merry-go-round of Swindon bus routes. Remember that Thamesdown passengers in East Swindon have seen their 1/1A in the last few years go to a split route number 2, rejoined to the 1/1A and restoring the link to West Swindon and recently again cut back to be it's own number 2 East Swindon-only service.


Merry-go-round indeed.

Stagecoach's changes which come in next week has already raised the hackles of Wroughton folk for rerouting the number 9 via Wharf Road (a dicey road if ever there was one), but it will service Waitrose and Wichelstowe, which is to be welcomed.

However, scant details on other routes and times seem to have gone unnoticed, but passengers in West Swindon are in for a shock as the 8 and 9 serving Freshbrook and Toothill are renumbered to the number 10, and continue from town to Kingsdown. 

It doesn't seem so bad, until you finally find a map and discover what's in store. The number 10 will run from town to Toothill, Freshbrook and then terminate at the Link Centre, returning to town via the same route.

You can see, on paper, at least, the sense of removing as many route miles as possible from the main roads, which at peak times, all over town, throw all operator's times into a cocked hat. But passengers will now find that whereas Freshbrook to town passengers will have a faster journey time to town (taken as Freshbrook Centre to the Bus Station, currently 27 minute weekday daytimes, changing to 22 minutes), their Toothill neighbours lose out. Journey times for Toothill passengers to the Link Centre will now more than double (taken as Toothill Village Tavern to Link Centre, currently 5 minutes, changing to 13 minutes). 

The frequency remains at every 10 minutes weekday daytimes, but all buses will now travel directly along Station Road to the Bus Station, abandoning Farnsby Street, Commercial Road, and Regent Circus. 

Is Stagecoach shooting itself in both feet? Once in Wroughton, and for good measure, once again in Freshbrook and Toothill?

Friday, October 28, 2016

Frontages Affronted

Swindon could be about to lose some of it's old shop frontages according to a new planning application.

It's number S/16/1679 if you want to search for yourself on the council Planning Portal.

To build, mostly flats, three shop fronts would go, two in Bridge Street and one in Fleet Street.

It seems strange that the developer has realised the importance of Swindon's town centre building frontages in it's planning application supporting documents, but then plans to replace three of them with three soulless, generic blocks of flats.

Will this go through and will we lose yet more character from a part of town that can little afford to lose any more?

Sunday, October 23, 2016

Top Ten Things Overheard On Swindon's Buses Last Week ; 340

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

10. I'll tolerate it for one more day, then I'll kill you.

9. There's only so much of this I can take before I snap.

8. I only got B's in drama and English and got C's in everything else.

7. I swear, I swear on my mum's grave.

6. Keep it in mind when you get to see the children.

5. Jane keeps talking about her feet all the time, like she's the only one with them.

4. Bubble tea really shouldn't be forced on people.

3. I'm not in the mood for excuses and light banter.

2. Actually read the message first and figure it out from the words he's used.

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

1. He's Labour, he's Conservative, he's Labour again, and shake it all about.

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

Thursday, October 20, 2016

Top Ten Things Overheard On Swindon's Buses Last Week ; 339

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

10. I now know what he's like when it comes to conducting himself.

9. There's wasn't much choice, so I got tuna.

8. It what I've got use to over the years, less and less interest.

7. People who shop in that branch must think the staff reckon they're stupid.

6. There was an uncooked bit underneath the bread.

5. Why are you looking at that crap on Snapchat?

4. You can break up with her, it's not fixed.

3. He's sexist, racist, he's a man who sexually assaults woman and jokes about it.

2. I was in Primark when Kia rang, I ignored it.

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

1. Why don't they just raise my council tax?

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

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

U-Turn If You Want To : Courtliff's Back In The Room

Less than 24 hours after announcing he was crossing the floor to Conservatives, Councillor Matthew Courtliff (Labour, Conservative, Labour. Freshbrook & Lydiard) has now u-turned and is back with Swindon Labour.

He describes it as the "most stupid 24 hours of my life".

More details to follow after we finish hitting our head against a wall.

Does Courtliff's Trust In Swindon Tories Prove Lydiard's a Done Deal?

There may have been more questions last night than answers after Councillor Matthew Courtliff's floor-crossing to the Tories, but has one answer already been settled?


If the assurances that have been given to Councillor Courtliff by the Tories on Lydiard are solid, then does that mean a trust organisation is almost guaranteed to take over the park and house?

Has a councillor's bit of political theatre also given us the last act in the Lydiard saga?

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Labour Courtliff's Tory Defection Throws "honesty, integrity and humility" Out The Window

Councillor Matthew Courtliff (Labour, Conservative, Lydiard & Freshbrook) shocked Swindon politics tonight by defecting to the Tories.

He promised "I will always serve you with my values of honour, integrity and humility".

Just five months after being elected almost entirely on a 'no to selling off Lydiard Park' mandate, he has crossed the floor after reportedly being given assurances by the Tory group on Lydiard's future.

He also appears to have deleted his Twitter account.

How can assurances be given when bidding is still underway?

Does this show how desperate Swindon Tories are to hang onto SBC control by making promises in return for a floor-crossing?

How can Councillor Courtliff now defend Swindon Conservative plans for the asset-stripping of Swindon, having campaigned against them to get elected?

How can Councillor Courtliff justify his position without a by-election after changing party?

What state does this leave Swindon Labour in? A dire one it can only be concluded.

There are many questions in the rotten borough tonight, but few answers.

Monday, October 10, 2016

Top Ten Things Overheard On Swindon's Buses Last Week ; 338

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

10. He's only staying temporarily.

9. I was just checking, I don't know what you get up to.

8. It's alright, I've got another battery at my auntie's house.

7. Where did you put that magazine with the survey on eyes?

6. Can't we just catch the other bus, it's so much nicer.

5. I can't believe you're doing this, why are you doing this?

4. You forgot to get the chilli chicken, we can get it at Asda.

3. I sent it him on Snapchat, oh my god.

2. He's not that interesting when you get chatting to him really.

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

1. Keep it quiet, but she doesn't love him.

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

Swindon's Rotten Parishes : Council WILL Force Legally-Questionable Parishing Whatever Residents Think

Swindon South MP Robert Buckland has shot more holes in Swindon Borough Council's Swiss Cheese proposal enforcing of parishes.

Yes, it is enforcing, as the cabinet paper for the final option, will be printed within 2 weeks of the public consultation closing.

Meanwhile the councillor responsible for parishing doesn't have answers to most questions on it.

Plus, SBC's wishful thinking is that businesses in the centre of Swindon will pay a one-off VOLUNTARY contribution of £400,000 towards sustaining the Town Centre parish through until after the 2018 elections until a more sustainable solution has been found.

Komadori's blistering post of their reply to the consultation shows how legally questionable the  rotten parishing of Swindon is.

And just to give one more example of SBC's North Korean attitude to and understanding of democracy, it's said that unless Stratton Parish Council takes on StreetSmart services (despite Stratton having a referendum on extending parishing powers, which they rejected, a basic bit of democracy that's been denied to the rest of Swindon) SBC will simply stop carrying them out.

That's not an option, that's an ultimatum.

These councillors are acting with reckless disregard for Swindon's residents and the democratic process. And they don't care, they really don't.

Sunday, October 09, 2016

Top Ten Things Overheard On Swindon's Buses Last (Last) Week ; 337

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

10. I'm not on my own with him hanging round all the time.

9. You need to reassess what it's all about.

8. They're not shoes, they don't even have tops.

7. Keep it in mind for when I've got time.

6. My turn now, give me that headphone.

5. That app's crap, it made my phone yellow.

4. Why are you so angry?

3. He's an estate agent and should know better.

2. People don't fax any more, send a telegram!

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

1. I already bought this last week.

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

Sunday, October 02, 2016

Top Ten Things Overheard On Swindon's Buses Last (Last) Week ; 336

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

10. Oh it's kept very clean in here.

9. No, that's my yogurt.

8. I think her really needs to think about what he needs when he thinks proper.

7. I thought she'd moved to Southampton, but she was sat in her garden with her feet in water.

6. If you keep moaning I'm just going to ignore you until we get home.

5. Lets keep it in perspective for once.

4. It's not a good idea, we all know it.

3. A generous amount of salt, then scrub it for all you're worth.

2. Keep your top on for goodness sake.

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

1. I beg you to keep it to yourself because if Sharon finds out, we're all for it.

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

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Top Ten Things Overheard On Swindon's Buses Last Week ; 335

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

10. I was once mistaken for Vernon Kay, until I opened my mouth.'

9. It's stacked up again, I don't believe this, why don't they just take the lights away and let the roundabout just be a roundabout.

8. There's initials on the side of it, who's it by?

7. I saw you out the window, but you were busy shouting at Keith.

6. She was stood at the front door in her pyjamas.

5. Taking away all the rubbish from the loft means I can make it into a gym.

4. They put a fake beard on the dog, it looked just the same.

3. Pizza again, how unimaginative.

2. He's got a new album out, but it's being kept secret.

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

1. Bless you for caring and may the sun shine on you and the righteous.

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

Sunday, September 18, 2016

Top Ten Things Overheard On Swindon's Buses Last (Last) Week ; 334

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

10. He vanished into the night.

9. It'll take ages before anyone realises.

8. There were eggs left, but they looked like they were on the turn.

7. We're now worth little to the customer after it all went online.

6. He got her to try eating it, which went down like a lead balloon.

5. They take contactless but only after I pointed out they had the software available.

4. 3 points were awarded, but it wasn't clear exactly what made them winners.

3. It's an example of bad service to the nth degree.

2. This is the start of an argument that has no end.

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

1. Stop it or I'll shove your shopping out the top window.

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

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

What State Is SEQOL In?

SEQOL are to hand over the running of adult healthcare to the GWH even earlier than planned, this is due to it's "challenging financial position and workforce challenges".

This is after the council meeting on SEQOL , which was made secret, that the press were asked to leave before it happened.

So how bad a state is SEQOL in?

Saturday, September 10, 2016

Top Ten Things Overheard On Swindon's Buses Last Week ; 333

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

10. It seems like an engine to growing up.

9. You end up going sideways with what's said.

8. Pokemon!

7. It was so hot I could feel the water in my drink boiling in my handbag.

6. There's nothing authentic about that hair colour.

5. Ken walked into the door, he kept on staring at his phone.

4. There's no change of direction, different day, same rubbish speak.

3. You do two years, then you move up to the next pay level, but you're always two years behind.

2. She's got no social skills, it's not her fault though, her parents were always 'different'.

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

1. No, that's not an ice cream van, they're selling vegetables.

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

Wednesday, September 07, 2016

Swindon Tories Fantastic Fiction Suppressed Staff Plan Plot Line Shock Reveal

The public meeting on the cuts to Swindon's Libraries saw the 'one library' and '4 library' plans kicked into a cocked-hat by the Swindon Borough Council libraries staff's own proposal.


The dictatorial 'we can only afford one library and you should be happy with that' option that's being offered around by Swindon's Tories like a mouldy sandwich is insulting and, arguably, barely legal when seen in the light of the Act that covers library provision.

The slightly less hard option of keeping four libraries in geographically spread-out areas of town makes much more sense.

However this still did make no mention of the vast elephant in the room, no library in east Swindon. The catchment area that Park Library serves is one of the most deprived in Swindon.

Went unchallenged, the one library and four library plan would have left Parks with no library in the area of town that needs it far more than anywhere else. This would have been a national disgrace.

However details of a Swindon Libraries staff proposal came out at the public meeting last night, that includes a library in Park North, and better hours than proposed in the one library and four libraries options.

At last, a glimmer of hope and sense. It's interesting that this proposal to include Park Library and better hours at the other remaining 4 (plus other bits, including a pause in imposing covering the cost of the business rates for the remaining libraries fully onto Swindon Libraries) has come from the library staff themselves.

You'd think that defending the interests of the elderly, the vulnerable, the poor, the jobless, the disabled, indeed the People of Swindon, would be carried out by the councillors of Swindon.

Instead it's being done by brow-beated Swindon Libraries staff, as Swindon's Tory councillors seem to have got their nose stuck in their fantasy novel where private companies run everything, pay for everything and all the poor people have vanished.

There has been no comment from SBC on the staff proposal, or indeed on the claims they have been sat on the staff proposal and not making it public whilst a public consultation is underway.

What a cliffhanger. 

Sunday, August 28, 2016

Top Ten Things Overheard On Swindon's Buses Last Week ; 332

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

10. It is the hub through which all life flows.

9. I get a real sense of what she's like as a manager, incapable.

8. You developed well, look at how tall you are my boy!

7. It's very simple question, did you sleep with her?

6. If Den told you that's where he's going to be, he's probably lying.

5. Just allow yourself to enjoy it for a change.

4. That encounter is not one i wish to repeat.

3. He roams from pub to pub looking for her.

2. I fear you've bought the wrong salad cream.

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

1. You're in better physical shape, I just had to say that.

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

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

A Mistaken Ringing Endorsement?

The news of a second community trust bid seems to have been very welcomed by Swindon Borough Council.

The comment in the Adver story from an SBC manager about the bid sounds a little bit like a ringing endorsement... “The staff management team, who have seen this right through from expression of interest to the bid, are absolutely delighted to be working with such a strong trustee board to secure a fantastic future for Lydiard.”

Surely SBC needs to be entirely impartial up until the choice of who will run it has finally been made?

Monday, August 22, 2016

Top Ten Things Overheard On Swindon's Buses Last Week ; 331

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

10. Well that was a complete and utter failure, wasn't it?

9. It's a customer system, it should work for the customer, not for the accounting department.

8. You need to remember, I used to go out with her.

7. A pastie, now that is a lunch my friend.

6. No they are not my pants.

5. Claire reckoned she'd seen him back when we went to Bushies, back in the day.

4. Why don't we just get a pizza for a change?

3. He works in banking now, which is massively appropriate when you think about his attitude towards other people's money.

2. There's no law against it though, so where's the problem?

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

1. They said they weren't use to a man, it made an unexpected, but nice surprise.

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

Thursday, August 18, 2016

Fag Packet Bus Consultation

The idea that at it's very core, bus services in Swindon operate for the poorest and most isolated in our town, is rapidly being rewritten when Swindon Borough Council withdraws all funding for supported bus services in the Borough. Chiseldon will get a double-hit.


The council wants to make Swindon's bus network fully commercial (95% of it already is) in the very near future. Let's be clear, there's no legal obligation to do this, Swindon Borough Council are choosing to not pay for support to those more lightly-used bus services.

So if you use 6, 7, 8, 9, 11A, 12, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 46, 46A, 48, 48A, 51, 65, 70A, 72A, 71 and 90, they will be either withdrawn, frequency cutback, route cutback, merged, or replaced with a BusLink service that will drop you somewhere to catch a commercial bus service for the rest of your journey.

There's a bus consultation that is open until 22nd August, and everyone who has an interest should fill it out. But as with all the other cuts SBC have or are about to make, there's an air of sad inevitability about it. It seems that Swindon, indeed the whole of the UK has cutback fatigue. 

So these buses will go, or change. And the poor, elderly, vulnerable and sick will suffer, simply because they don't drive or they live out in the sticks. How's that for achieving SBC's priority 4 of helping vulnerable adults and children?

The idea that a town as rich with corporate HQs, businesses, industrial plants and wealthy individuals cannot afford to run a bus service for the elderly is shameful and an embarrassment to Swindon.

Top Ten Things Overheard On Swindon's Buses Last Week ; 330

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

10. It looks ridiculous you stood with that thing in your hand.

9. Got that supplier to you for Thursday.

8. It's very confusing when you don't know where you're going in the dark.

7. For men it's easy, as long as you've washed your face, nobody cares really.

6. The great thing about my job is I can take two hours for lunch and I get away with it.

5. That's a fantastic top, have you had it a while?

4. I don't do Tinder, not after the narrowboat incident.

3. It flew past so fast I didn't even have time to wave at her.

2. You can spot the danger signs though, like crying when watching Big Brother.

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

1. If everyone starts to gorge on avocados, then what'll happen to the planet?

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

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

HM-No!

The application to turn a house in Swindon's very posh Goddard Avenue into a bedsit has been withdrawn.

Told you so!

The posh wedge shall be maintained at adequate thickness, no thinning on top (of the hill) here.

Top Ten Things Overheard On Swindon's Buses Last Last Week ; 329

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

10. I'm very reasonable, but I think Hillary is crooked.

9. A scotch egg, my what a surprise.

8. It's all about the Snapchat man.

7. Steve, Russell and Pam are all going as per usual.

6. Think with you pants, that's entirely unexpected.

5. Come over here and tell me that and I'll tell you where you can get off.

4. We've got to drive for 8 hours, it'll be more like 10 though, it always is.

3. The Earl of where?

2. There was an accident, so all the traffic slowed down to stare like watching some cheap show.

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

1. Every time we come into town we end up with the same driver, it's like being chauffeured.

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

Sunday, July 31, 2016

Top Ten Things Overheard On Swindon's Buses Last Week ; 328

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

10. Hold them in your hand like a giant.

9. The reason he lives there is because he knows what he's doing.

8. My auntie knows her, but has a strange opinion of what she's like after fighting.

7. No, no, no, it's just over the road and beside the pub, yes, the slightly more rubbish side.

6. Why do you want to go back for, there's nothing there for you.

5. Is it really, I'd not imagine that judging by how happy you are.

4. This is not the bus I should have got on, but it's too late now.

3. Here's what you should message back, give me your phone, since I seem to run your love life.

2. His front door use to be red, but he kept getting next door's post, so he's put in a glass-fronted porch.

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

1. I've never been good at maths since we had Mr Roth as the teacher, he's so hot.

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

Friday, July 29, 2016

The Thin End Of The Posh Wedge

The poshest of posh streets in Swindon is about to get a rude awakening.


Someone has applied to turn a house in Goddard Avenue into a House in Multiple Occupation. Translation, subdivide a bigger house into lost of smaller residences (in the old days we called them bedsits).

Will the people of Old Town's poshest street stand for it? 

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Top Ten Things Overheard On Swindon's Buses Last Week ; 327

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

10. It was a good little party.

9. I was down to the last 5 to be Jesus.

8. If I knew what he looked liked, I'd be much more fearful.

7. A lot like work experience, but you get paid.

6. If you ever need it, you just do this, then pick it.

5. Spencer will one day soon, get what's coming to him.

4. I'll go with you, I can wear those white pants I got cheap.

3. She had a coat on and wore it all day.

2. I fell down the kerb, I couldn't look away from my phone.

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

1. You'd need to be, like, Bill Gates or Beyonce level famous.

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

Friday, July 22, 2016

Swindon Tories Fantastic Fiction 2 - Highworth Library Saved Before Public Survey & Report Written

Swindon's Tories have never let democracy or due council process get in the way of their agenda and it seems the future of Swindon's Libraries is no different.

You'll remember back in May, just before the local elections, a leaflet was circulated in Highworth making all sorts of promises about the retention of Highworth's library. Including that it would stay in the same place and retain paid staff.

Just after those elections (in which the Tories retained control of Swindon Borough Council, including the Blunsdon & Highworth seat), it was repeated by Councillor Maureen Penny (Conservative, Blunsdon & Highworth) that the promises made in the leaflet were absolutely correct and will be seen through. She went one better and said that she had gotten a verbal assurance from Councillor David Renard (Conservative, Haydon Wick & Leader of the Swindon Borough Council) and Councillor Garry Perkins (Conservative, Haydon Wick & Cabinet Member for the Economy, Regeneration, and Skills) that the points made in the leaflet would be seen through and that Councillor Renard had seen the leaflet and stands by it.

But, it wasn't until two months later that the report was published which includes the proposal to retain Highworth Library.

So why and how was Councillor Penny able to get assurances about Highworth Library two full months before the report into the future of the libraries was finished and before the public survey on Swindon Libraries (which was part of the report) had even closed (on the 29th April)?

Councillor Penny's election leaflet has 'April' above the list of library promises alongside a convenient photo of Councillor Penny and Councillor Renard as you can see below :




So why was the council report and public survey prejudged?

I'm sure it's nothing to do with it being a true blue tory seat with lots of white, well-off, retired, middle-class tory voters.

I'm sure if a Labour councillor from Parks had demanded that Park Library was promised to stay open, they would have got the same result.

Sorry, that bit's fantastic fiction.

Monday, July 18, 2016

Top Ten Things Overheard On Swindon's Buses Last Week ; 326

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

10. You've got to identify your risks.

9. I'm not spending that on a handbag.

8. That's easily the tastiest thing I've ever tried in my life and I've eaten in some great pubs.

7. Forget everything I've said before, this is the absolute truth.

6. It's failing apart in my hands, why did you make me buy this?

5. It doesn't work on my phone, so I won't be falling off cliffs any time soon.

4. Sarah denied I'd said it, then slagged me off in a group message.

3. You can't expect me to drop everything just because you feel like you need to control me.

2. We're going to have a recession no matter how much you may deny it.

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

1. Don't worry about it, it's fine, we've got our country back, isn't it great?

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

Sunday, July 10, 2016

Top Ten Things Overheard On Swindon's Buses Last Week ; 325

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

10. I will definitely drink to that my mate.

9. Yes I could do with a good laugh if you consider all the stuff that's happened.

8. No it's rented so that's something else I've got to consider.

7. I had it when I was at the prison, what have I done with it?

6. I sold it after he moved it for a vastly-inflated value.

5. Just because I don't want to go out with you, it doesn't mean I don't like woman.

4. Don't be so bloody self-indulgent.

3. Put that's back, that's mine, I bought that with my nectar points.

2. Then because the social heard he'd been playing it, they came round that Thursday and demanded to know what he was up to.

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

1. You get a bonus for finishing that week's order, free shares and free tea and coffee.

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

Sunday, July 03, 2016

Top Ten Things Overheard On Swindon's Buses Last Week ; 324

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

10. I didn't dare to expect it.

9. Beyond the realms of possibility is what you really mean to say.

8. You've just beaten such a great team.

7. There you go, I told you it would melt.

6. I kept hanging on and hanging on and hanging on and he didn't turn up.

5. People at her school were asking on Monday if they had to leave.

4. He's not representative of my views.

3. Don't talk to me about moving annual averages.

2. She's not sick, or on holiday, she's left her at her ex-husbands so she can go to see Beyonce.

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

1. They could win the whole thing if they have lucky breaks all the way through.

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

Sunday, June 26, 2016

Top Ten Things Overheard On Swindon's Buses Last Week ; 323

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

10. That's a nice name for the wrong spelling.

9. Yes I'm in charge now, what a shocker.

8. I thought he'd only agreed to be with her for as long as it took to get another job.

7. You'll need a plumber to fix it, I've never been very good with pipes.

6. Very kind, can I have the bit with the cheese on it?

5. He's resigned, now we've got Trump's double waiting in the wings to move in.

4. Usually when they're whispering I can hear them in the next room.

3. Cornwall voted out, now they're asking for their EU money to continue.

2. Turns out she's not entitled to vote.

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

1. Are we spiralising the carrots or buying them pre-spiralised?

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

Saturday, June 25, 2016

Top Ten Things Overheard On Swindon's Buses Last Week ; 322

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

10. You've got less chance of eating something nice from Burger King.

9. I believe that he knows what he's doing most of the time.

8. I returned it after I wore it all weekend.

7. She screamed at me, chucked everything out the window and kicked me out, she just doesn't get it mate.

6. Take a moment and think about how stupid you sound.

5. Cheese, that's what it's all about.

4. Save your money for a change, you've never got any left come Friday.

3. Maybe there are more important things than your boyfriend's ego.

2. Karen reckons it's only a matter of time before it all gets exposed by the audit.

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

1. Well Steve, cars don't drive themselves do they?

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

Friday, June 17, 2016

Top Ten Things Overheard On Swindon's Buses Last Week ; 321

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

10. But that's what I'm allergic to too.

9. It's all about weddings it seems, at massive expense.

8. It's not something I like to see on TV.

7. I saw him walking towards me so I dived into Specsavers.

6. Sandra doesn't have to prove anything she's just got to do her job like everyone else.

5. I'm trying to be creative but I just can't think in a marketing perspective.

4. He said he was going to take me over to meet his family, so it appears there's life in it yet.

3. We went for lunch in Subway, yeah I know, so romantic.

2. You took me by surprise, I thought this was a double-decker.

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

1. And that's when I had my first knickerbocker glory.

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

Sunday, June 05, 2016

Top Ten Things Overheard On Swindon's Buses Last Week ; 320

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

10. Why's no-one called Percy anymore?

9. I have been unfairly treated.

8. Yes it is I.

7. Terrible when you think what her kids are like too.

6. They're not magic, he just likes to show off.

5. Is that thunder?

4. It's gone back to every 12 minutes, can't say I'm impressed, but I'm not surprised.

3. So dark it could be nine at night.

2. I've told you again and again, I just can't wear leggings.

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

1. I took video to prove what he's doing and I'm going to show it to him when he next tries it.

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

Monday, May 30, 2016

Top Ten Things Overheard On Swindon's Buses Last Week ; 319

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

10. I can assure you it will not be like the staff day out last time.

9. They're all going to shine like stars.

8. You don't need directions with your built-in homing instinct.

7. It's all about friends and family, no work colleagues.

6. I would't piss on him if he was ob fire.

5. Forever and a day.

4. Come on with me and I'll show you that you do not have to go out with Chris to have a good time.

3. She let me feed her goat.

2.  I bought two boys last week, off Gumtree.

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

1. They've had to put their raccoon on a diet.

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

Sunday, May 22, 2016

Top Ten Things Overheard On Swindon's Buses Last Week ; 318

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

10. It's my greatest achievement so far, even my supervisor said.

9. There's lots left over for the people who work on a Saturday.

8. I didn't even believe what was written on the screen, I knew it must have been faked.

7. About the same when you take into account how much tax I pay.

6. Phil didn't even bother to keep me informed he been to the court.

5. They're living at his garage which he converted last September into a habitable space, all that means is he's sealed the up and over door.

4. Keep in mind she's a compulsive liar, that's what I've always heard, most of the time.

3. It takes as long to get the bus as it does to walk between yours and the shops.

2. Stacey reckons Jo has been married before.

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

1. I apologise, I didn't realise quite how sensitive little old you was in relation to sandwiches.

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

Thursday, May 19, 2016

Top Ten Things Overheard On Swindon's Buses Last Week ; 317

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

10. So the saga continues and for the third year running I don't care one little bit.

9. He was a keen student, then it all started going wrong.

8. They're shimmering, look, shimmering.

7. If he creates an entrance like that again, we'll be in for a good time.

6. There was a tinkle, but I tried to block it out at the time.

5. Thank you mate, I've just moved here.

4. I'm going camping, can you tell how excited I am?

3. I'm the only woman in the office, so the bar has been set rather low.

2. What about the rest of me, I'll be freezing wearing this to the wedding.

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

1.  I didn't vote for him, how can you trust a man with a nose like that?

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

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

A Long Lease In The Country

The deadline for submitting bits for the great Lydiard Park and House sell-off lease-off has been extended for a second time.

The deadline will now be on 8th July.

Holland 1 - 0 Mattock

Councillor Russell Holland has been appointed as the new Deputy Leader of Swindon Borough Council following the local election last week.

Labour won in Old Town and East Wichel causing Councillor Former Councillor Brian Mattock to lose his seat and his Deputy Leader title with it as well.

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

An Artistic Interpretation Subsidy Versus Investment

The confident words of Robert Hiscox in his The Big Interview in the Adver in the hopes for a new museum and art gallery for Swindon will be a shot in the arm for the project which seems to have gone quiet since missing out on Heritage Lottery Fund money last year.

Hadrian Ellory-van Dekker has been appointed as the Director of the Swindon Museum and Art Gallery Trust (which appears to be a first-class appointment) but details of what happens next are very quiet.

What is very 'now' is the mention of support for the museum and art gallery project as 'investment', whereas the support Swindon Borough Council gives to country parks and libraries is seen as 'subsidy'.

Will the wording of such change before a spade is put in the ground, and how does SBC square the circle of giving with one hand, but taking away funding for transporting disabled folk about, libraries, Lydiard and much more to residents and taxpayers on the other?

My Mummy Closed My Library

North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson has made no secret of his pride at being a local councillor when Swindon's Central Library opened. He also proudly tells us that his first debate in parliament was on the topic of libraries. He also proudly tells us that he and his wife are regular users of North Swindon Library and Moredon & Rodbourne Cheney Library.

He may be in the embarrassing position in the near future of seeing his mother, Councillor Vera Tomlinson, vote through massive cuts in the libraries budget.

'My mummy closed my library', maybe he can put that on his election leaflets in 2020.

Monday, May 09, 2016

Health Hydro Puts Swimmers In The Deep End

It's no real surprise GLL have decided to close the small pool at Swindon's Health Hydro due to the cost of repairing it.

But when GLL took over the Health Hydro in 2014, it would no-doubt have know the condition of the Health Hydro, including the small pool, so it's mystifying that just 2 years after taking over it's now having to close part of the building.

As the building is Grade II Listed, we can only hope that GLL don't find the rest of the building over the remaining 23 years of the lease prohibitively expensive to maintain, and shut other bits of it. The contract only binds them to keeping the Health Hydro open for five years after taking over.

Do they intend to invest at Milton Road for the long term, or are they simply seeing out the five years before handing back the keys?Did they know what they were signing a contract for?

Dial-A-Conservative-Cut

A cut of £100,000 from £300,000 will have to be stomached by the good folk that run the Dial-A-Ride service.

As per usual, Dale Heenan just doesn't get it regarding the Swindon Labour's objections to the cut, there is nothing, absolutely nothing, to stop the ruling Swindon Conservative top brass from objecting in principle to the cuts it is being made to impose by central government.

However, no matter how bitter the pill, Swindon Conservatives have been swallowing everything handed to them by Whitehall.

Have they formally objected once and asked for a better deal? The ability to raise council tax above and beyond the approved level? To ask for a reexamination of the local government grant?

No of course they haven't. They may wield all the power, but none of the courage and compassion of their office.

Sunday, May 08, 2016

Rodbourne's Bridge Not Too Far

Congratulations to Network Rail for completing the work on the Rodbourne Road bridges a whole week ahead of planned, for reopening tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Swindon Borough Council's enlightened plan to open the bus gates on Penzance Drive certainly did a lot for drivers in the evening rush hour.

On several occasions in the past few weeks, Swindon Centric has been stuck on Wootton Bassett Road in the rush hour crawling towards Mannington Roundabout with hundreds of others. The cause of the logjam was the opening up of the Penzance Drive bus gate at the Wootton Bassett Road end, clearly no-one had retimed the lights being triggered by a small number of cars every few minutes, turning from Penzance Drive east towards Kingshill, meaning all vehicles heading east and west on Wootton Bassett Road had to wait for the lights to change every minute or so to accommodate the small number of drivers taking advantage of the opened-up bus gate. Once past this spot, the traffic flowed fine.

Genius.

A bus gate designed (traffic signal-phasing included) for a bus every five minutes will operate very differently (and alter the flow of traffic on nearby roads for the worse) if you throw a constant flow of cars at it instead and don't account for that with altering the phasing software.

As far as Swindon Centric and Swindon's buses are concerned, Network Rail can shut Rodbourne Road again if it wishes, just please let SBC remember that bus gates are designed for buses and not cars. Don't just cover the 'bus only' signs up and hope for the best.

Top Ten Things Overheard On Swindon's Buses Last Week ; 316

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

10. You could boil or steam, but if you fry, you're frankly asking for a badge saying 'I haven't got a clue'.

9. You've given me license to do what I like.

8. I have no idea how long the delay will be.

7. It was all I could do from going straight home and not bursting into tears.

6. I'd love to learn how to keep my anger under control.

5. They'll include the cost of your travel, which you can fiddle.

4. I hear he lost, got his just desserts then.

3. There should not be any ill-feeling, but you just know that Nigel will hold a grudge.

2. How are you feeling, I haven't seen you since he left you.

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

1.  It's so offensive I make him cover it with a blanket when we're not using it.

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

Saturday, May 07, 2016

Mechanics' Trust No One

Despite all the talk (that's been going on for a long, long time) from the Mechanics' Trust about working together with others to secure the future of the building, they seem to have retreated back to their own turf if recent news is anything to go by.

Despite Forward Swindon carrying out an options appraisal for Swindon Borough Council, the Trust have got a grant from the Architectural Heritage Fund to carry out their own viability study.

The Trust still do not own the building and do not have the financial backing in place to buy it, pay for it's restoration, or the day-to-day costs of running it.

Many years ago Swindon Centric paid a pound to the Trust to be a member (probably along with many others) and never received or heard anything more from them, ever.

I suppose it's foolish to assume that pound was put in a bank account and has earned a healthy interest in the pot for the building.

If the Trust had put as much effort into fundraising as it's done into getting itself into the Adver every month or so to report that things are either progressing well/it's still at risk/the council don't take it seriously or a combination of these (like here, here and here), the building would be in use.

Friday, May 06, 2016

Swindon Elections - Labour, Lydiard and Losing Mattock Man

Labour gained two seats from the Swindon Conservatives in last night's local elections, and it all couldn't have been more local if you'd tried.

Lydiard & Freshbrook went to Labour from the Conservatives because they campaigned hard on Lydiard Park and House, getting the message and the groundwork right.

Up on the hill, Jane Milner-Barry won for them on pushing the parishing issue (which no-one, even many in the Swindon Conservatives fully understand), but also the Lydiard sell-off/lease-off issue was big too for voters in Old Town.

Worse for the Tories was that Milner Barry took the seat from the Deputy Leader of Swindon Borough Council  Former Deputy Leader, Councillor Former Councillor Brian Mattock (or as we like to call him, Mattock Man after 'his' astonishing list of achievements in his leaflet). But this picture of him is priceless (scroll down to 12.15am)

Once again Stan Pajak retained Eastcott, despite a very strong push by Labour (the Lib Dems won it by 228), and despite being the man who campaigned on being the local candidate, but actually doesn't live in the ward.

Now, you servants of Swindon's people, don't disappoint us.

Wednesday, May 04, 2016

Swindon Tories Get Hooked On Their Own Fantastic Fiction On Swindon Libraries

Swindon's Conservatives may be about to hack at the core of Swindon Libraries, but they're not going to let that get in the way of capitalising on Libraries to win votes at tomorrow's local election.

However, some Tories seem to be having great trouble following their own plot.

Firstly, take a look at a section of two leaflets sent out by Barbara Parry, who's standing for the Conservatives in Covingham & Dorcan. The first leaflet was received about 2 weeks ago, the one below that, just this week :






Reading the first leaflet, you'd be forgiven for thinking if you live in Nythe you were about to get your own new library. Candidate Parry has confused that with a table-top SBC exercise to look into Liden (along with 5 other areas, it's in section 3.45 and 3.46 here) at the range of community facilities they each have (including libraries).

An SBC asset stock-take and a new library are not the same thing, as are these two election leaflets.

Meanwhile in Lydiard & Freshbrook , Councillor Tim Swinyard has gone one better on this election leaflet :


He proclaims that the Link Centre library is safe and even says we'll end up with a "greater variety of locations and provision".

Seems foolish to prejudge the public survey which has just closed, but maybe he knows what's good for us and we don't.

It doesn't stop there!

Over in Wroughton, this section of an election leaflet has also been shoved through doors by Swindon Conservatives :


The leaflet claims only the Adver has said libraries would close or move. But even though this has been admitted in SBC documents if others don't take them over or the funding goes. 

Yet another nonsensical twist.

And finally over in Highworth, they've promised the earth to voters, with 'Facts' and 'Not' and 'Will' (in capitals and underlined and bold and everything) :






Their first 'fact' is incorrect, there is a saving of £300,000 for this budget year sat against the Libraries budget, of which Highworth is funded from. 

Their second and third 'facts' is quite a thing to promise, not to move or close it if SBC push through with the current plan to 2020, look for your parish tax going through the roof to pay for it!

It reads like a reactionary leaflet from an angry resident, but is actually an election leaflet for the same party that have proposed the cuts in the first place.

In short, from Covingham & Dorcan, to Lydiard & Freshbrook, via Wroughton and Highworth, it's clear that Swindon Conservatives haven't got a bloody clue what they're going to do with Swindon Libraries and have twisted themselves in such knots with this plot, they'll be hoping to do a Dallas and wake up to find it's all a dream.

Because at the moment, it looks like a nightmare to the residents and voters of Swindon.

Swindon Election Leaflets - Your Cookie-Cutter Conservative Leaflet



Nothing stands out in this leaflet, it's not groundbreaking. Indeed if you take out the candidate's name and picture, it could almost be a leaflet for anywhere by Swindon's Conservatives.

Tuesday, May 03, 2016

Swindon Election Leaflets - Lights, Cameras, Matt-action!



Very little seems to stand-out in Councillor Brian Mattock's election leaflet. It's a very Swindon Tory leaflet, listing 'achievements' that would have happened anyway, refurbished playgrounds (carried out by SBC staff), more class spaces (undertaken by the schools involved), footbridge replacement (hopefully done by an engineer), putting Christmas lights up (maybe Councillor Mattock is the spirit of crimbo? Doubt it), road resurfacing (does he have his own steam roller?), and finally the achievement of a private organisation spending it's own private money on the Croft Sports Centre.

What a jack of all-other-people's trades!

But it doesn't stop there, voters of Old Town and East Wichel. It's time to recycle some previous announcements, in the very best Swindon Tory election leaflet traditions :

- Prudent use of council tax (the mantra now for over 5 years).
- Vision for Swindon (an updated version of the 'promises', in some cases so vague, they're meaningless and immeasurable).
- A new bus station (promised and announced many times since 2008).
- Aspen House redevelopment (same as above, since 2012).
- The Oasis redevelopment (same as above).
- Support for Old Town Library (so vague it's meaningless, and contrary to SBC announcements on what it wants for libraries, as in only pay for the Central Library).

Well done Councillor Mattock, what a leaflet, such 'achievement' by the Mattock Man!







Swindon Election Leaflets - Of Parishes and Politics


Trying to explain the ludicrous proposals on parishing the whole of Swindon (to save Swindon's Borough Tories foundation-stone of their time in office of not raising council tax, it seems it's the only thing they really do honestly believe in) is difficult.

However Jane-Milner Barry, standing for Labour in Old Town & East Wichel has done it well in her, well, can it be called election leaflet if it was sent round in February? 

Okay, pre-election leaflet.

If there's a single voter in Swindon that thinks it's a good idea, chances are they think the Bruce Street Bungle works were efficiently done.

Monday, May 02, 2016

Top Ten Things Overheard On Swindon's Buses Last Week ; 315

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

10. I think it's moving pretty slowly.

9. To be fair to him, it was good chicken.

8. I've confused everyone around me by saying that.

7. If you just sit down for a minute, I'll get it out for you.

6. Hang on, that's not mine, I think you've got the wrong bag.

5. I always eat them with one hand.

4. It stacked back all the way to the last stop, such a mess.

3. Don't get me on talking about migrants, you're not catching me out on that one.

2. It turns out she was warned about sexual harassment, but that didn't seem to stop her.

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

1.  You know when you get this sinking feeling and you just know that you're just about to get a smack in the face?

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

Thursday, April 28, 2016

Bishopstone Buses It While Heenan Gives No Change

It interesting that when Swindon Borough Councillors don't take the lead with bus matters, things seem to work out better.

A Bishopstone bus plan involving work by Gary Sumner of Wanborough Parish Council, with the SBC transport department, looks likely to come to fruition.

Any story involving SBC councillors and bus services sees a number of predictable steps, these include, but are not limited to the following :

- Warn that SBC cannot continue to subsidise a poor-patronised service.

- In a blatant, or backhand way (depending on your mood that day) lay the blame for the loss of the service on the door of the bus operator, despite it being a service that will never commercially pay it's way (that's why you subsidise it).

- Let the now bus-less residents and bus companies know that you're 'open to suggestions' for possible alternatives, with a smaller pot of money for subsidy than before and suggest any possible bidders be 'creative' with their ideas.

- In conclusion, when the money runs out, blame the bus company for not being commercial enough and the residents for not using the bus enough, but, of course, don't take any blame or responsibility yourself.

Well, you are only the elected representative.

In this case, congratulations to Gary Sumner, Wanborough Parish Council and the SBC transport department for working hard and coming up with a plan.

Well done also to SBC councillors for not interfering... too much (well, one did pose for a photo, so it wasn't quite an A-star).

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Will Someone Please Think of The Children (and Councillors)?

Councillor Kevin Parry seems surprised at finding needles used by drug users in a park in his patch.

It might surprise him further then to know that needles, dog mess, and litter is found in parks, fields and open spaces all over the Borough every day of the week.

What's more worrying, but not surprising, is that with the complete dismantling of Swindon Borough Council, more and more of these unsavoury things will be found by more and more residents and less and less by SBC staff in the formerly called Streetsmart department (street cleaning).

But that's okay, most of our councillors like to put in their election leaflets about how they spend their weekends picking up litter in their wards (like Councillor Pajak).

There seems to be little else for SBC councillors to do. Democratically elected, allowance-paid litter-pickers, now that's vibrant and efficient folks!

Two Steps Forward Swindon, Three Steps Back to Council?



The advertising by Swindon Borough Council for a Business Engagement Retention Officer sounds oddly like the work that SBC-owned regeneration company Forward Swindon is meant to do.

Even more oddly, the job description makes reference to the SBC team working with the Forward Swindon team.



So is SBC deciding to 'double-up' roles and build it's own empire to rival Forward Swindon, or does SBC have an intention to close Forward Swindon by default, by bring it's roles back in-house?

Whatever the truth, the fact that the Forward Swindon website has not been updated since June last year, their Twitter has been moribund since November last they appear to not have a marketing person on their team and there's been no press releases issued since then, things don't seem to be moving forward for Forward Swindon.

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

The Lib Dem League of 'Local' Gentleman




A rash of election leaflets demand a little more than a cursory glance if Councillor Stan Pajak's is anything to go by.

Councillor Pajak's leaflet uses the word 'local' a total of 8 times and even goes to the trouble of pointing out where he lives in relation to Eastcott ward. He rails against the 'faceless' Labour candidate who lives in Abbey Meads and writes 'you deserve a 'local councillor who cares because they live here too!'

Two minutes-worth of checking finds that Councillor Pajak doesn't actually live in Eastcott ward, but in Walcot and Park North ward.

Whoops!

Sunday, April 24, 2016

Bruce Street Bungle spells trouble


With Bruce Street Bridges apparently 'finished' (Swindoncentric and many others are really not sure on that one), work will soon move on to the rest of the Great Western Way project work.

In all the project literature that the team responsible have produced, leaflets and regular emails, one thing has consistently been wrong.

Newcombe Drive is spelt with a 'b', in case anyone in the Swindon Borough Council highways team wished to know.

Hopefully all future communication will be correct, otherwise you can look forward to Ranser Bridge, North Tar and Cockberry.

What a Cockleberry up.

Top Ten Things Overheard On Swindon's Buses Last Week ; 314

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

10. Do you want some bread, we'll need to get off here to get some bread, we'll get off here.

9. I've got a routine for Snapchat, but I don't reveal it to anyone.

8. If you ask me, there's no excuse for it, whoever heard of a tanning bed?

7. You're not going to even notice, I'm going to be out the door, before you even wake up.

6. No, I've already seen that film, it wasn't worth it, but we had a good time afterwards.

5. Sharon expected to be nervous, but the whole of the team meeting was really pleased she'd be taking over.

4. He can swing for all I care, I've had it living with him, I deserve better than this.

3. Don't forget to smile.

2. She brought him a cup of tea, but it caused more harm than good.

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

1.  I have to talk to you, can you make some excuse tomorrow and slip away?

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

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Same again, please?

The plan to demolish the Tented Market and replace it with a development of restaurant units and cafes is nothing new, a similar plan was mooted in 2007 and rejected in 2008 and it appears history is repeating itself, almost to the letter.


The 2007 plan was to demolish the Tented Market and replace it with a building housing 4 restaurants or cafes and one coffee shop. The proposal was recommended for approval by the council officers for planning but this was ignored and the proposal was rejected by the councillors on the Planning Committee. The main reason for the rejection then was the objections raised by the developers for Regent Circus and for Granville Street (the Granville Street development plan subsequently collapsed and work at Regent Circus did not start for a further four years) that the area would be saturated with food and drink businesses (just like the objections lodged by the traders at the Tented Market today). A smaller reason for objection was that the design was not 'landmark enough' as a replacement for the Tented Market building.

Skip forward to 2016 and it seems nothing has changed, at all.

Objections have been raised by the traders for the town centre being saturated by food and drink businesses, both at Regent Circus and soon at the Brunel Centre. It seems our appetite for a bite to eat is never-ending, with all cafes and restaurants in town appearing to stick around for a lot longer than the shops. 

The last version of the 2007 plan (there were a few), that was presented to SBC and rejected was called a 'pavilion' of 4 restaurants and one shop unit. 

The current plan is for 5 restaurant units in a building that is on the identical footprint of the 2007 proposed 'pavilion' and the elevations look very similar, with a little more glass and not as boxy a roof.

In short, Swindon has been presented in 2016 with a plan for a building almost identical in appearance to one it rejected allowing to be built in 2008.

8 years later, will SBC follow their own precedent and reject the proposal a second time? 


Sunday, April 17, 2016

Top Town Thamesdown Return after Bruce Street Bungle?

Say it quietly, quickly and with a spoonful of healthy doubt - the work on Swindon's Bruce Street Bridges appears to have been completed.

The less said about the 'give way the wrong way junction' junction and the vast amount of bleak tarmac that's a massively wide footpath (why didn't they just put in more bushes and greenery?), the multiple overruns and the countless time and money wasted with residents stuck in queues, the better.

Can we soon look forward to Thamesdown Transport's service 13 and 14 now returning to their original routing via Commercial Road and Regent Circus for daytime weekdays?

As Thamesdown's chief said last August, the services had been rerouted via Station Road to allow a quicker service recovery due to the long queues at Bruce Street Bridges whilst the work overran, and overran and and overran.

The project was also announced as 'substantially complete', twice. Here and here. Great job there Councillor Dale Heenan, the councillor in charge. Interestingly, Councillor Heenan was quite happy to get his face in the paper for the new Stratton Green Bridge opening, but Swindoncentric doubts he'll perform a grand ribbon-cutting at Bruce Street Bridges.

So when will passengers from Haydon Wick and Moredon on the 13 and 14 be able to enjoy direct service back to the usual routing?