Latest news with #ChrisWatts
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Solar panels could be set for roof of STEAM Museum
Swindon's STEAM museum is set for a green makeover as solar panels could be installed on the roof. And there may be more solar farms going up around the borough, and wider area as well, councillors have been told Members of Swindon Borough Council's Build a Greener Swindon policy and performance committee heard from the cabinet member for environment and transport, Councillor Chris Watts, and senior officer Edward Jones on the progress of the authority in cutting its own emissions. Chairman of the committee, Councillor Neil Hopkins, said: 'We and Wiltshire Council encourage residents to join solar together as a way of them cutting their emissions, but there are very few solar panels on the council's buildings. Hopes to end 'stigmatisation' of Penhill with £20m funding New event full of fun Lego-themed activities at Steam CPS pay tribute to manslaughter victim's family after one-punch death 'It took me years to get panels on South Swindon Parish Council buildings, can we do more here?' Mr Jones was unequivocal: 'Yes. We are looking at putting a solar panel on the roof of STEAM Museum, it will make it much more energy efficient and also keep it warmer in the winter - I understand it's very cold in winter. 'And while solar farms are not as popular as they once were because they are not as efficient as people thought they would be, we have a much better understanding of them now.' He added: 'Swindon is a particularly good place for them, being in Southern England but with land costs a lot less than around Bath and Bristol. 'We can make much better use of solar here in Swindon.' The report showed that the council had done well in cutting its emissions and was on target for a 57 per cent cut in its 2018-19 emissions by 2030 and a 78 per cent cut by 2035. But he said there was more to be done: 'Our biggest cut has come from going over to LED streetlights, and we've also benefited from the decarbonisation of the grid in general – there's more solar, more wind, more nuclear and less fossil fuel being used to generate electricity. 'But that hasn't been our conscious choice. We will have to make more conscious choices in the future.' Councillors were told that there is a rolling plan to change the council's vehicles from running on diesel to electricity, which Mr Jones said was 20 times cheaper. Councillor Watts said the fleet of recycling and refuse collection lorries was less than two years old – but the council did have a long-term ambition of acquiring electric lorries when that fleet needs replacing.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Resolving town's pothole problem could cost £50m
A councillor says that £50m might be needed to repair all the potholes in his town. Chris Watts, Swindon Borough Council's cabinet member for Environment and Transport, said funding shortfalls had led to a "backlog" that would only be resolved by an infusion of money, well beyond that currently received from the government. Mr Watts said the council needs to make careful decisions despite an increase in the borough's roads budget by £1.5m to £5.5m last year. With the government's spending review due later this week, he is hoping for "incremental increases" when the budget is allocated. "The main problem is that, due to the lack of funding there hasn't been the money there to do the resurfacing that's been required." "So we have a backlog, which we estimate at an indicative figure of about £50m." "People have definitely seen an improvement. They've noticed that potholes are being fixed a lot quicker. We get far less insurance claims, which saves the people of Swindon money as well." "The increase we got last year was very useful. It enabled us to plan better, bring projects forward and I'm hoping that we get more money to do that as well", he added. Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Road was resurfaced while 'meeting net zero' terms Pothole-fixing machines a 'game-changer' for roads Swindon Borough Council
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Yahoo
Major route opens amid £33m revamp
A key route has reopened to pedestrians and cyclists as part of ongoing works to transform a town centre into a green "bus boulevard". The Whalebridge end of Fleming Way in Swindon can now be used by walkers, and the overall project is on target to finish later this summer. Pedestrians faced long diversions and drivers have suffered traffic disruption since September 2022, when Fleming Way closed for works to connect the bus and train station to the town centre. The project faced delays when it was discovered telecommunication cables were not buried deep enough for the new designs. More news stories for Wiltshire Listen to the latest news for Wiltshire Cyclists will have dedicated lanes alongside the bus lanes which will be controlled by traffic lights, allowing pedestrians to cross safely. There will also be new greenery to support local wildlife, and make the walk between the town centre and bus and train stations "a lot more pleasant", according to the council. Councillor Chris Watts, the council's cabinet member for environment and transport, previously said: "Those visiting the town centre are sure to notice how different the road now looks when compared to earlier in the scheme." More than 180 trees and 23,000 shrubs and bushes have also been planted creating a bus boulevard, he added. Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Town centre revamp 'on target' for summer opening Subway to be demolished in town-centre revamp Swindon Borough Council
BBC News
12-05-2025
- BBC News
Swindon road reopens to pedestrians after delayed works
A key route has reopened to pedestrians and cyclists as part of ongoing works to transform a town centre into a green "bus boulevard".The Whalebridge end of Fleming Way in Swindon can now be used by walkers, and the overall project is on target to finish later this faced long diversions and drivers have suffered traffic disruption since September 2022, when Fleming Way closed for works to connect the bus and train station to the town project faced delays when it was discovered telecommunication cables were not buried deep enough for the new designs. Cyclists will have dedicated lanes alongside the bus lanes which will be controlled by traffic lights, allowing pedestrians to cross will also be new greenery to support local wildlife, and make the walk between the town centre and bus and train stations "a lot more pleasant", according to the Chris Watts, the council's cabinet member for environment and transport, previously said: "Those visiting the town centre are sure to notice how different the road now looks when compared to earlier in the scheme."More than 180 trees and 23,000 shrubs and bushes have also been planted creating a bus boulevard, he added.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Wildflower meadow planted on busy town roundabout
A busy roundabout in Swindon will soon get a splash of colour after wildflower seeds were planted on in it. Greenbridge roundabout, which is one of the town's busiest, has been cleared of trees in preparation for the meadow. Swindon Borough Council says it hopes the flowers will increase the town's biodiversity while decreasing maintenance costs. "Wildflowers are a brilliant way to encourage pollinators and local wildlife," said councillor Chris Watts. "We are really keen we make the most of any opportunities we have to promote biodiversity in line with our mission to build a greener Swindon," Mr Watts added. "This wildflower meadow will create an amazing display of colour creating a landmark junction for local residents and visitors to enjoy." More news stories for Wiltshire Listen to the latest news for Wiltshire Trees which were previously planted on the roundabout failed to flourish due to poor soil quality and so have been removed. The council says it hopes to replant some trees once the soil quality improves. "Anyone who has driven around Greenbridge roundabout will have seen the sad state of the silver birch trees," Mr Watts said. "We have taken the pragmatic step of using ring-fenced biodiversity funding from developers to breathe new life into a failed scheme." Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Greyhound stadium could be turned into 130 homes Council to spend £250m on improving housing Politicians approve maximum council tax increase Swindon Borough Council
