Reporting back from the Parks and Open Spaces Committee meeting.

🌿 Seven Fields

We discussed ongoing antisocial behaviour, littering, and damaged bins. Some hedge cutting works are required and will be picked up. These issues are being monitored by Councillor Leanne Stevenson.

👉 If you are seeing issues in Seven Fields, please report them so action can be taken.

🚯 Fly tipping

Members were updated on fly tipping across several locations. There has been an increase, which is frustrating and unacceptable.

👉 If you see fly tipping, please report it as soon as possible.

🏋️ White Eagle Outdoor Gym, Priory Vale

The new outdoor gym at White Eagle in Priory Vale is ready to open. The opening event is Sun 11 Jan at 10am.

👉 Come along on Sunday, try the equipment, and see what is now available locally.

🛝 Parks maintenance and play areas, including Priory Vale

There were positive updates on hedge cutting and play area improvements across the parish, including Priory Vale. We also discussed Queen Elizabeth Drive MUGA. The surface beneath the basketball hoops needs refurbishment and budget has been allocated to address this.

👉 Are there play areas in Priory Vale that need work, improvements, or enhancements?

🚧 Francomes Play Area

This play area remains closed due to safety concerns. We have written to the listed owner but have not yet had a positive response. As neither the parish nor borough council owns the site or holds a lease, carrying out works is legally difficult. We remain keen to resolve this.

🌼 Wildflowers and planting

Planning is underway for smaller pocket wildflower areas in the years ahead.

👉 Do you have ideas for small wildflower areas near where you live?

🐕 Public Space Protection Orders, including Priory Vale

There was further discussion around PSPOs, particularly dogs off leads in certain public areas.

👉 I would like to hear your views on dogs off leads in public spaces. Where does it work well and where does it cause problems?

🚲 Cycling and walking plan, Priory Vale

We were disappointed to see no mention of Cycle Route 45 improvements in the cycling and walking plan. This route is important for Priory Vale, providing a key link from Thamesdown Drive towards the town centre.

👉 What are your views on local cycling and walking routes?

Cllr Vinay Manro

Great to see Asda taking action! Following residents’ complaints, Asda contractors have been out patching potholes today on their road towards the petrol station and McDonald’s.

If you spot any other problem areas that need attention, please get in touch and I’ll raise them with the relevant parties.

#Vinay4PrioryVale #LocalAction #CommunityResponse #PrioryVale #Swindon

I understand the frustration this causes. When bins are missed, rubbish builds up quickly. People organise their routines around collection days, and when collections do not happen it creates real disruption, especially during the festive period.

There have been service failures in the past. What is unacceptable is being told that shifting collection days would prevent missed collections, only for the same problems to continue.

Residents were asked to accept disruption to make this change work. Many households held on to waste for 16 days instead of 14 to accommodate the new schedule. That was the trade-off that was presented. For some residents this has now become 17, 18 days or more without a collection. That is not what people were promised.

I’d like to thank the collection crews. They work long hours, in difficult weather, and under significant pressure. Frontline staff are not the cause of these ongoing issues.

The issue lies with planning, resilience, and accountability. If a change is presented as a solution, it must deliver the outcome promised. Residents deserve clear explanations and a proper recovery plan, not simply being told to “leave bins out”.

Where are the Priory Vale Swindon Borough Councillors asking the difficult questions about this service? Borough-wide service failures should not rely on parish councillors alone to challenge and seek answers.

If your waste or recycling is still out, please comment with your road name 👇 I want to build a clear picture and ensure Swindon Borough Council includes affected areas within its recovery plans.

People deserve clear communication, honest answers, and a waste service they can rely on. ♻️

#PrioryVale #Swindon #LocalCommunity

Great question. Here’s what we’ve got:

🏞️ Priory Vale and Haydon Wick have 24 play areas, including 6 MUGAs (Multi Use Games Arenas) and a skate park.

✅ Haydon Wick Parish Council manages all of them. We have an in-house maintenance team that takes responsibility for maintaining these facilities and keeping them safe for our young people and families.

That’s a significant investment in community spaces. These facilities are vital for giving children and young people somewhere to play, exercise, and enjoy themselves locally.

🎉 And exciting news: in January we’re opening a new outdoor gym facility at White Eagle Road. This is another great addition to what we offer our residents.

If you have feedback on any of our play areas or suggestions for improvements, please get in touch. Your input helps us keep these spaces the best they can be.

#Vinay4PrioryVale #HaydonWick #PrioryVale #CommunityFirst

If you have a child starting primary school in September 2026, the application deadline is just around the corner: midnight on Thursday, 15 January 2026.

This is your last chance to submit applications on time. Late applications received after this date will be considered only after all on-time applications, so don’t delay!

🏫 Primary schools in Priory Vale

Here are the primary schools serving Priory Vale:

📍 Oakhurst Primary School (Oakhurst)

Providing quality education with strong community links and excellent facilities for young learners in Priory Vale.

https://get-information-schools.service.gov.uk/Establishments/Establishment/Details/149880

📍 Orchid Vale Primary School (Haydon End)

A thriving school committed to nurturing every child’s potential and fostering a love of learning for Priory Vale families.

https://get-information-schools.service.gov.uk/Establishments/Establishment/Details/147513

📍 St Francis Primary School (Taw Hill)

Delivering outstanding education in a welcoming, inclusive environment where every child in Priory Vale can flourish.

https://get-information-schools.service.gov.uk/Establishments/Establishment/Details/134151

Each school brings something special to our area, and all are committed to supporting your child’s development and success.

✅ How to apply for Priory Vale primary schools

Visit https://www.swindon.gov.uk/info/20071/school_places_and_admissions/427/primary_school_places_and_admissions to submit your application online. You can list up to three schools in order of preference. Make sure all your details are correct before submitting.

Have questions about the application process for Priory Vale schools? Get in touch and I’m happy to help point you in the right direction.

📍 Haydon End, near Havisham Park

Securing improvements for Priory Vale is the priority so we are glad to see Swindon Council have agreed to replace the deteriorating bridge deck over the brook at Haydon End.

The footbridge surface and deck have been failing for some time, creating a safety concern for our community. This replacement is essential maintenance that will restore safe access for all residents.

WORKS SCHEDULE:

📅 19-21 January 2026

🚫 Footpath closure during works

⏱️ Expected completion: 21 January

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• Plan alternative routes during this period

• Works scheduled for 3 days

• New deck will improve safety and durability

• For queries, please contact me directly

This demonstrates the importance of raising local concerns and holding the Swindon Borough Council accountable. Thank you for your patience as we work to bring improvements to Priory Vale.

We marked 22 bikes on the day, improving security and increasing the chance of recovery if stolen.

Thank you to Swindon Travel Choices Wiltshire Police Swindon Borough Council British Land and Cllr Leanne Stevenson for their time and efforts on the day and for helping organise the event.

It was particularly encouraging to see so many residents stopping to talk about wider community and local issues, even if they were not there to have their bikes marked. Conversations covered internet safety, the government’s possible ban on social media for under 16s, Seven Fields, Mouldon Hill, parking issues, and anti social behaviour.

It was also positive to hear supportive comments about the hard work being undertaken locally by Councillors.

Many residents also asked about local walking routes, with a wide range of information available on the day. Young people picked up stickers and reflectors, and many cyclists were offered a free set of bike lights to help improve visibility and safety.

We will look to run further bike marking sessions later in the year, building on the strong turnout and positive engagement from residents.

🎄 Christmas Tree Collection for Prospect Hospice

From 9 to 11 January, Prospect Hospice is collecting real Christmas trees. Every tree is recycled responsibly, and your £20 donation supports essential hospice care for families in our community.

Collection Details:

• Real trees only, decorations removed

• Leave outside before 8am on collection day

• Postcodes: SN1, SN2, SN3, SN4, SN5, SN6, SN25, SN26

• Book here: https://www.prospect-hospice.net/christmas-tree-collections/

♻️ Tub2Pub: Recycle and Support Cancer Care

Until 15 February, bring clean, empty confectionery and biscuit tubs to Cold Harbour, Robins Farm, or other participating Greene King pubs. Proceeds support Macmillan Cancer Support.

Find your nearest venue: https://www.greeneking.co.uk/christmas/tub2pub#venue-finder-search

Both campaigns demonstrate how simple actions create meaningful community impact. Which initiative will you support this January? Let me know in the comments below.

Looks like Swindon Council’s booking system caught a case of Y2K syndrome (only 26 years late! 😅)

Here is what we know:

✅ Bookings available: Monday 5 Jan to Sunday 11 Jan

⏳ From Monday 12 Jan: Technical issues still being resolved

✅ If you have a valid booking, visit as planned

❌ Without a booking, please don’t visit

Many of you have asked about same-day booking slots. Should we be pushing Swindon Borough Council to offer more flexible, same-day access? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

For updates and to book when available:

🔗 https://www.swindon.gov.uk/xfp/form/882

👇 Comment below: Do you want same-day booking slots? Your feedback helps me make the case to the council.

#HaydonWick #PrioryVale #Swindon #RecyclingCentre #LocalUpdate

These photos were taken at Mouldon Hill, an area rich in swans, ducks and other wild birds.

Last week, Cllr Leigh Jackson reported a deceased swan found in the water. While the cause of death has not been confirmed, the presence of official warning signage means avian flu cannot be ruled out, and precautions should be taken.

Haydon Wick Parish Council has been actively monitoring local parks and open spaces and has ensured clear public information is displayed where risks have been identified.

To help protect wildlife, pets and people, please:

Keep to marked footpaths

Keep dogs on leads

Do not feed wild waterfowl

Do not touch sick or dead birds, feathers, or contaminated surfaces

Wash hands after visiting

If you keep poultry or captive birds, disinfect footwear before tending them

📩 Reporting dead wild birds

Locally, reports can be made to Swindon Borough Council Rangers at:

swindonrangers@swindon.gov.uk

Alternatively, reports can be made via GOV.UK if you find:

One or more dead birds of prey, gulls, swans, geese or ducks in the same place

Five or more dead wild birds of any other species in the same place

🔗 https://www.gov.uk/guidance/report-dead-wild-birds

Further information and guidance:

https://www.swindon.gov.uk/info/20023/environmental_problems/1310/avian_flu

This is about vigilance. Simple precautions help protect our wildlife and shared green spaces.

Whilst walking within Seven Fields Nature Reserve, I spent time litter picking and noting a small number of practical issues affecting access, visibility and site facilities.

What I observed and did

Litter was mainly concentrated along field edges and access routes, rather than within the meadows themselves.

Items collected included cans, bottles and nitrous oxide canisters.

All litter, including the canisters, was bagged during the walk and reported for parish collection.

A site sign was obscured by brambles and overgrown vegetation, making it difficult to read. The sign itself is intact, but visibility has been reduced by surrounding growth.

I also noted a litter bin that had previously been set on fire, which had already been reported.

Actions taken:

Litter and nitrous oxide canisters reported for parish collection. Haydon Wick Parish Council Ref: HWPC10403

Vegetation cut-back requested so the sign can be clearly seen again. Haydon Wick Parish Council Ref: HWPC10405

The previously fire-damaged bin is being replaced by Haydon Wick Council with a ground-mounted, covered multi-purpose bin - these are more robust and will help reduce the risk of further damage.

Seven Fields is a valued local nature reserve, and small, practical actions like litter picking, keeping signage visible and maintaining site facilities all help support accessibility and care for this space.

Thank you to the many local residents who quietly help look after Seven Fields as they walk, and the consistant efforts by Seven Fields parkrun who always go above and beyond to support.

Whilst walking within Seven Fields Nature Reserve, specifically Long Meadow and Half Moon Field, I observed further evidence that antisocial behaviour continues within the reserve.

Unauthorised quad bikes / motorbikes being used on protected meadow land showing clear track marks, circular riding patterns and churned ground, particularly visible in wet conditions.

I raised concerns about this earlier in the year, and unfortunately this is not an isolated incident.

The activity and resulting damage have been reported to Wiltshire Police and logged under DP-18234-25-5454-IR01

Why reporting this matters

Protected meadows like Seven Fields rely on careful management and stability to thrive. This year, the hay cut was already delayed by Swindon Borough Council, which can place additional pressure on meadow habitats. Unauthorised vehicle use compounds that pressure, damaging ground structure and undermining recovery.

Several residents shared the same concern long-standing local walkers and dog owners spoke about growing up using Seven Fields and feeling increasingly disheartened to see a place they treasure being damaged, with its value as a local natural asset not being recognised by those causing the harm.

We can only push for meaningful support and enforcement if antisocial behaviour is consistently reported.

📞 If you see antisocial behaviour, please report it directly to police online or via 101: This can be done anonymously.

https://www.police.uk/pu/contact-the-police/report-a-crime-incident/

Thank you to everyone who continues to care for and protect Seven Fields.

Residents should be aware that walking conditions are currently very muddy in parts of Seven Fields Nature Reserve, particularly following recent wet weather.

Please take care in the following areas

King’s Bridge – the approaches on both sides are heavily mud-ridden and can be slippery.

The back perimeter path adjoining Long Meadow and Springfield Field is waterlogged and very muddy and is not currently accessible unless wearing wellies or suitable footwear.

As a result, families with pushchairs and those walking with young children were unable to pass through this route and had to divert around the field, adding extra time and distance to their walk.

Action taken

A request for woodchip installation to improve access at these two locations has been submitted. Haydon Wick Parish Council reference: HWPC10404

Seasonal safety note

As we move through seasonal changes, with increased rainfall and stronger winds, there may also be a higher likelihood of fallen or unsafe trees.

For trees under 3.6m, report to Haydon Wick Parish Council:

https://form.jotform.com/251343243383048

For trees over 3.6m managed by Swindon Borough Council, reports should be made only if the tree is dangerous or likely to cause damage:

https://www.swindon.gov.uk/xfp/form/1206

Thank you for your patience and for taking care while enjoying Seven Fields.

I have co organised bike marking events at the Orbital over a number of years. They have consistently been well used by local residents, which is why we have arranged another session this January.

We have some wonderful cycling routes across North Swindon. Our paths and green corridors link neighbourhoods, schools, shops, and open spaces. For many residents, cycling is a practical way to travel locally, stay active, and enjoy the area safely.

This event is particularly timely following Cllr Leanne Stevenson championing the bike donation and gifting project at Haydon Wick Council. Haydon Wick parish residents donated 16 bikes, and across Swindon many more bikes were donated by The bike shed. Old Town. and gifted to new owners in time for Christmas.

With many of these bikes and others in regular use, security marking matters. Marked bikes are less attractive to thieves and far more likely to be returned if stolen.

Residents are welcome to pop along to get their bike security marked FREE of charge, pick up brand new cycle and orienteering challenge maps, and enjoy free refreshments and winter goodies.

It is also an opportunity to speak to me in person about any local concerns. The event is informal and focused on active travel, safety, and community wellbeing.

Full details of this and other upcoming events can be found here:

https://www.swindontravelchoices.co.uk/events/

I know it can feel inconvenient to recycle fairy lights properly, especially when they stop working after Christmas. Many people put them in the general waste bin because it feels quicker and easier. However, fairy lights are classed as electrical waste and must not go in normal bins.

When electrical items are placed in household waste they can cause fires in collection vehicles, damage equipment, and put waste collection staff at risk. They also end up in landfill, even though fairy lights contain metals and components that can be safely recovered and reused.

The Household Waste Recycling Centre is located at Cheney Manor. Cheney Manor is the physical site, while Swindon Borough Council manages the booking system.

How to recycle fairy lights properly:

Visit the Swindon Borough Council website and pre-book a visit to the Household Waste Recycling Centre

https://www.swindon.gov.uk/xfp/form/882

Take your fairy lights to the Household Waste Recycling Centre at Cheney Manor (Waterside Park, Darby Close, Cheney Manor, Swindon, SN2 2PN).

The Household Waste Recycling Centre can be particularly busy after Christmas, so booking ahead helps avoid delays and wasted journeys.

You can also recycle fairy lights through large electrical retailers such as Currys, which accept small electrical items even if they were not purchased there:

https://www.currys.co.uk/services/delivery-installation/recycling.html

Anything with a plug, wire, or battery needs to be recycled properly. While it may take a little more time, it helps protect staff, reduce costs, and prevent unnecessary environmental harm locally.

Please share so others know. Small actions like this make a real difference.

This wheel breaker on Thamesdown Drive needs urgent attention. I’ve reported it to the Swindon Borough Council highways team and will be tracking progress closely.

If you’ve spotted a pothole locally? Let me know so I can document, report and ensure they are repaired quickly.

Comment below or message me directly. Your feedback helps me prioritise what needs fixing.

Do you feel the parish precept you pay each year delivers good value in your local area?

Are services meeting your expectations, or is more needed?

Haydon Wick Parish Council is reviewing budgets and priorities.

Resident feedback will help guide future decisions.

Share your view here 🔗

https://haydonwick.gov.uk/consultation-hub/

The Swindon Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) booking system is currently down and you won’t be able to book new slots online right now.

Swindon Council are investigating.

✅ If you already have a valid booking slot, you can still visit the HWRC as planned

❌ If you don’t have a booking, please don’t visit the centre as you won’t be able to access it.

I’m aware from residents who have contacted me, the inconvenience this is causing.

For the latest updates and to try booking again, visit:

🔗 https://www.swindon.gov.uk/xfp/form/882

Keep an eye on this page for when bookings are available again.

#HaydonWick #PrioryVale #Swindon #RecyclingCentre #LocalUpdate

I have co organised bike marking events at the Orbital over a number of years. They have consistently been well used by local residents, which is why we have arranged another session this January.

We have some wonderful cycling routes across North Swindon. Our paths and green corridors link neighbourhoods, schools, shops, and open spaces. For many residents, cycling is a practical way to travel locally, stay active, and enjoy the area safely.

This event is particularly timely following Cllr Leanne Stevenson championing the bike donation and gifting project at Haydon Wick Council. Haydon Wick parish residents donated 16 bikes, and across Swindon many more bikes were donated by The bike shed. Old Town. and gifted to new owners in time for Christmas.

With many of these bikes and others in regular use, security marking matters. Marked bikes are less attractive to thieves and far more likely to be returned if stolen.

Residents are welcome to pop along to get their bike security marked FREE of charge, pick up brand new cycle and orienteering challenge maps, and enjoy free refreshments and winter goodies.

It is also an opportunity to speak to me in person about any local concerns. The event is informal and focused on active travel, safety, and community wellbeing.

Full details of this and other upcoming events can be found here:

https://www.swindontravelchoices.co.uk/events/

The traffic lights are damaged and not working at the Thamesdown Drive and Elstree Way junction by the Blunsdon Arms pub.

This is a busy shopping period with heavier traffic, and icy roads add extra risk.

The issue has been reported to Swindon Borough Council Highways. Reference Number: 4799364.

Please slow down, approach with caution, and allow more stopping distance.

Please share this to warn others.