Swindon: it’s up to all of us to protect our NHS

  Coronavirus (COVID‑19) is spreading fast in Swindon. The Great Western Hospital (GWH) is today treating more COVID-19 patients than at any point in the pandemic so far. That’s over 120 coronavirus patients including those in intensive care. The GWH is battling with COVID-19 alongside all the existing 24/7 emergency health needs of our community,… read more

Alert – Coronavirus Vaccination Scams

As of 7 January 2021, Action Fraud had received 57 reports from members of the public who have been sent text messages claiming to be from the NHS, offering them the opportunity to sign up for coronavirus vaccinations. The texts ask the recipient to click on a link which takes them to an online form… read more

Council to provide support to vulnerable Swindon residents at risk of COVID-19

A package of support measures is in place for local people who have been identified by the NHS as clinically extremely vulnerable to coronavirus. Thousands of Swindon residents will receive a letter from the Government’s National Shielding Team over the coming days providing advice on what they should do during the current lockdown. Clinically extremely… read more

Scam Warning – Fake DPD Emails and Texts

Scam warning: Fake DPD emails and texts. Action Fraud has seen a surge in reports relating to fake emails and texts purporting to be from DPD. The messages claim that DPD was “unable to deliver your parcel today” and provide instructions on how the recipient can arrange another delivery. The links in the emails and… read more

Policing Precept – Survey Launched

Wiltshire and Swindon’s Police and Crime Commissioner is asking all residents for feedback on the proposed policing precept for 2020/21. Today (5 January), PCC Angus Macpherson has launched a survey to collect feedback on policing: what is being done well and where improvements could be made, as well as a proposed increase in the policing element… read more

England now in national lockdown – what you need to know

Following a rapid rise in infections, hospital admissions and case rates across the country, the Prime Minister announced yesterday (04 Jan) a national lockdown in England with immediate effect and instructed people to stay at home to control the virus, protect the NHS and save lives. The drastic jump in COVID-19 cases has been attributed… read more

Ridgeway Bell Articles – December 2020

Points of interest from the meetings held in December 2020. Fibre Broadband Update. Openreach are proposing a scheme to lay high speed fibre for broadband within certain areas of the parish. Currently residents who wish to benefit and subscribe to any such new service are being asked to pledge their vouchers towards this scheme. A… read more

Council to support families in need this Christmas, with the distribution of supermarket vouchers

Thousands of families will be offered supermarket vouchers ahead of the Christmas and February half-term school holidays, as part of a scheme facilitated by Swindon Borough Council. The Council was awarded £624,935 by the Government to support families with the cost of food and fuel during the next two school holidays. Around 7,000 children in… read more

December Our News Neighbourhood Watch National Newsletter

As we approach the end of what has been a hugely challenging year with the prospect of restricted Christmas and New Year celebrations, we would like to deeply thank all our supporters and volunteers. The work you and so many others have done has been immensely beneficial to thousands of people and will continue to… read more

Domestic Abuse Support Service

It’s ok to talk about domestic abuse. If you’re the victim of domestic abuse or you’re worried about someone get in touch. Call Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service (24 hour number) 01793 610610 In an emergency call 999 16 days of action posters

Contact information update – Citizens Advice Swindon

Please find updated contact information for Citizens Advice Swindon while our drop in service at Sanford House remains closed. We have recently made improvements to our accessibility for clients accessing us by phone with the introduction of a freephone adviceline number 0808 2787813. We would be grateful if you can update any directories that you… read more

New Road Survey

It is 4 years since changes were made by Swindon Borough Council to New Road, to reduce speeding and make the road safer for cars accessing the road from Canney Close and The Canney, as well as pedestrians, and cyclists. We would like to understand how people now feel about the change, how well is… read more

Ridgeway Bell Articles – November 2020

Points of interest from the meetings held in November 2020. Faster Broadband Update. We are still waiting to hear back on the update of improved broadband to the parish. An update is expected in a few weeks’ time but the BT OpenReach Gigabit Fibre scheme is still expected for the parish. This is not to… read more