Our Director of Public Health has a message for you

Hello, my name is Steve Maddern and I’m the Director of Public Health at Swindon Borough Council.

Firstly, I wanted to thank everyone throughout the borough for the resilience you have shown, and continue to show, in responding to coronavirus.

We all have a part to play in reducing the risk of infection and must continue to follow social distancing guidance while at work and socialising. Everyone should be following social distancing advice, both in and out of work, to prevent the spread of the virus. Good hygiene is the best prevention and there are some simple steps you can take to protect you, your family and colleagues by maintaining your social distance, washing your hands regularly and thoroughly and if you cough, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue.

While small outbreaks are expected as a result of relaxing lockdown arrangements and as people return to work, we have developed a Local Outbreak Management Plan to supplement and support the national NHS Test and Trace Service, and to ensure a rapid response to manage local outbreaks.

Please check the latest government advice and information and follow all the safety measures in place at public venues to keep you, other visitors and staff safe. Thank you for continuing to play your part.

Let’s all be #HereForSwindon.

Latest government updates

What we must do from today (30 July):

  • Anybody who has coronavirus symptoms or tests positive for the virus must now self isolate for 10 days under new government guidance

What we can do from this Saturday (1 August):

  • Shielding will stop and be replaced by social distancing. The Government has published advice to help those who are shielding understand what this means for them
  • The Government will update its advice on returning to work, asking employers to make decisions about how and where their staff can work safely
  • Most remaining leisure venues like bowling alleys, skating rinks, casinos and all close contact services such as beauticians, will be allowed to reopen
  • Indoor performances with socially distanced audiences will be able to take place
  • Small wedding receptions of up to 30 people can take place, subject to COVID-Secure guidance
More than 100 local diners will be offering discounts in August

Use this online postcode search to find out which pubs, cafés and restaurants in Swindon have registered for the Government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme which launches on Monday (3 August).

The scheme is available every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday throughout August and will allow diners to get half price food and non-alcoholic drinks up to a total discount of £10 per person. Before visiting, don’t forget to check what measures local diners have put in place to protect you and their staff. 

Next milestone reached for £25m investment plan

Now more than ever, we need to do all we can to boost our local economy. Last year, we were one of the areas chosen to bid for up to £25m from the Government’s Towns Fund. A board of local representatives from across the public, private and voluntary sector have shortlisted seven projects that we hope will secure us the funding and revive our town centre. Find out more about our bid.

Date confirmed for the start of work at Junction 15

Work to reduce congestion and improve journey times at Junction 15 of the M4 is due to start on 10 August. The £17.5m scheme which is being led by Highways England and funded by us and our partners, will help to reduce the build-up of traffic at both the M4 junction and on the A419. Find out more about the scheme.

Improvement work is underway at the Moonrakers junction

£2.8m worth of improvement work is underway at the Moonrakers junction after our contractors moved on site earlier this week. Tonight (30 July) is the last night of overnight work to remove the double roundabout at the junction. During this night work the junction is being controlled using temporary traffic lights. The scheme is due for completion in March 2021, to keep up to date with progress sign up to the Moonrakers newsletter.

Let's get fit and healthy together

The Government has announced plans to help us all get fit and healthy with their Better Health campaign. Living a healthy lifestyle is important to help our bodies fight against viruses and diseases like COVID-19. Find out how you can get active, eat healthier foods and lose weight on the NHS website.

Over 1,200 animals have set up home in Wichelstowe

Extensive ecology work is underway at the Wichelstowe Southern Access site to protect the natural habitats of local wildlife. So far over 1,200 great crested newts, slow-worms, grass snakes and toads have been relocated to a safe habitat. Further work is ongoing to allow badgers, amphibians, reptiles, water vole and otters to safely pass under the road between wildlife areas.

Local author launches a silly competition

Swindon Libraries have been working with local author and illustrator, Steve Antony, to launch an exciting art competition in support of this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. Steve is tasking Swindon’s young people to design a pair of Silly Socks inspired by the Silly Squad. If you’ve got a budding artist in your family, download a competition form today and be in with the chance of winning one of the 15 prizes on offer. 

Other news
  • The Fix your Bike Voucher scheme has been set up to encourage more people to cycle. If you have an old bike at home, apply for a £50 voucher to help get it repaired 
  • A developer has been ordered by court to repair the damage made to Clifton Street School after demolishing part of the building without planning permission 
  • A Click, Call and Collect service is now available across all our core libraries, allowing you to reserve books online or by telephone, before collecting them during library opening hours

More sources of information

Help for vulnerable residents to access food parcels and prescriptions

Latest status of all council services

How the Council is supporting residents and businesses

How you can support your community

See our daily report of waste and recycling collections

Pre-book a slot at the Household Waste Recycling Centre

Book a coronavirus test if you or someone in your household has symptoms

Controlling and preventing the spread of coronavirus in Swindon

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Swindon Borough Council, Civic Offices, Euclid Street, Swindon, SN1 2JH

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