Latest news with #SwindonBoroughCouncil
BBC News
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
How vegetable oil could help Swindon council reduce emissions
A council could reduce carbon emissions by tonnes if its fleet of vehicles switched to running on vegetable oil, its officers to a Swindon Borough Council report, the move would save 1,703 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions a year - the equivalent of an 81% cut in the fleet's the report added running all suitable vehicles on hydrated vegetable oil would mean fuel costs rising by up to £150, report said: "Transitioning the fleet to HVO fuel will contribute to making Swindon greener and better." Hydrated vegetable oil can be made from sources such as vegetable oils, used cooking oil and animal fats by adding hydrogen and removing oxygen and other impurities, the Local Democracy Reporting Service can be used directly in engines which normally run on conventional diesel. In 2024, the council's diesel fleet of lorries, vans and cars emitted 2,194 tonnes of carbon dioxide - which is three times the emissions from heating and lighting 11 of the council's report said another alternative would be to buy electric refuse vehicles, but this would be "significantly more expensive" and "not viable".No final decision has been made.
BBC News
23-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Headlines: 'Cycle lane anger' and 'major crash'
Here's our daily pick of stories from across local websites in the West of England, and interesting content from social media. Our pick of local website stories Sunday marked Windrush Day, which was celebrated in the St Paul's area of Bristol with a commemorative walk organised by the group Steppin' Sistas, Bristol Live reported. Hundreds of people reacted to the Swindon Advertiser's report about a preacher banned from Swindon town centre who has denied returning to the area.A Gloucestershire Live article on the reaction to work on a cycle lane being installed in Gloucester city centre also generated a lot of conversation online, with locals branding the work as "disgraceful". Our top three from yesterday What to watch on social media Hundreds of people have shared an urgent appeal from Wiltshire Police for any witnesses to a crash on the M4 late on Sunday night, in which a woman died and nine others were left injured. Here's our latest story on this has been a lot of love online for Glastonbury's new Power of One campaign, which has been launched online ahead of the festival opening its gates this week. Swindon Borough Council has praised the dedication of volunteer "street reps" who have been busy tidying up the Penhill area of the city.
Yahoo
22-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Celebration to commemorate WWII at Armed Forces Day
A celebration is taking place later this week to commemorate the end of World War II. Lydiard Park will welcome people on Saturday, June 28, to appreciate the efforts of the armed forces community and mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. The free event is being hosted by Swindon Borough Council, with support from local armed forces organisations, and takes place at the end of a week of national tribute starting on Monday, June 23. Running from 11am to 4pm, Swindon's Armed Forces Day will be filled with entertainment for all ages, featuring community stalls, a funfair, dynamic dance troupe performances, and a mini concert. Read more: Wiltshire police officer Damien Penman receives British Empire Medal The Armed Forces Day flag will be raised outside the Civic Offices in Euclid Street at 11am on Monday, June 24, marking the start of the national celebrations across the UK and members of the public are welcome to attend to show their support. Serving armed forces personnel, veterans, and service families from around the UK will come together in Lydiard Park for the day. The day is also a highly anticipated opportunity for communities to say 'thank you' to armed forces personnel past, present, and future. The service will feature a cadet parade, gun salute, a C-130 flypast, and live music.
BBC News
20-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Council looks to extend dog fouling order
A council is looking for people to share their views on a proposed renewal of a legal order to clamp down on dog Borough Council's Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) is expiring, and the authority wants to continue to use the powers.A separate order covering Lydiard Park is also due for renewal. It has been in place since 2016, and the council said it has reduced the number of complaints about fouling, nuisance dogs and their Jim Grant, cabinet member for communities and partnerships, said dog fouling was regularly raised by residents who use local parks and open spaces. The PSPO allows anti-social behaviour wardens to issue fixed penalty notices to anyone caught failing to pick up after their Grant urged people to complete an online survey about the order."We think it is working," he said. "But by law, after every three years, we have to renew it, and we have to consult with the public to determine whether they want it renewed."It's pretty obvious that people do want it renewed, and I'm hoping that people that do respond to the consultation will not just say yes, but give further views on the subject." Councillor Grant added that even people who fail to respond to a warden can still be fined."Almost nobody goes to Lydiard Park without a car. If they ignore the officer, that officer can then note down the number plate, and we will be able to get these people," he said."The more fines we're able to issue, the more of a deterrent it is going to be."He said the council is also looking to employ more wardens to address the survey can be completed on the council's website until 20 July.
BBC News
20-06-2025
- BBC News
Swindon kebab shop rat infestation leads to longer closure
A kebab shop will remain closed after a judge was shown evidence of a major rat Kebab, located on Manchester Road in Swindon, was initially forced to close its doors after Swindon Borough Council's Environmental Health team responded to a complaint from a member of the the visit on 5 June, officers found rat droppings and evidence of gnawing in the food preparation areas, along with the smell of inspectors noted there was an imminent risk to the health of customers and shut the premises to protect the public. 'Extreme case' District Judge Kirsty Allman, sitting at Swindon Magistrates' Court on Thursday, imposed a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order on the shop after being presented with evidence of the inspection by the urine stains and droppings were found on the lids of plastic containers for spices within the kitchen. Gnawed flour bags were also found on shelves among the rat were found in walls, floors and doors making it easy for the rodents to enter the premises. The cleaning standards were also found to be poor with a build-up of debris and rodent smears on floors and lack of appropriate cleaning chemicals for food contact surfaces was also noted while containers, utensils, chopping boards and crockery were stored openly in areas of rodent and general personal hygiene was also observed to be poor. The emergency prohibition order granted by the court allows the council to keep the shop shut until it is satisfied that the safety of customers can be met. Councillor Jim Grant, Cabinet Member for Joint Working and Communities, said: "The conditions found in this kebab shop were appalling."He added: "This is an extreme case but it is a reminder to all food business owners of their responsibilities when it comes to food hygiene."I'd like to personally thank the member of the public who reported this infestation to us, so our environmental health officers could take prompt action to protect the health of customers."
