Points of interest from the meetings held in March 2022.
Free taxi journeys to get Covid vaccinated
Vaccination is our best defence against COVID-19, reducing the risk of being hospitalised or becoming seriously ill from the virus. We want to make sure that all residents eligible for a vaccine in Swindon are able to attend a vaccine appointment, to give them the best protection against the virus. That’s why Swindon residents who are experiencing financial hardship or who have mobility issues and no practical means to get to a local vaccination centre, can book a free return taxi journey to a COVID-19 vaccination site until the end of January 2022.
Anyone who meets this criteria, must book their vaccination appointment in advance using the NHS booking system, and then call V Cars on 01793 701701, quoting our account number and password:
Account number: SW-TTV01
Password: Vaccination Site
Proof of the vaccination appointment will need to be shown to the taxi driver and return journeys must be made within one hour of the appointment to the same address. All drivers have signed up to a COVID-19 safety policy to ensure that all precautions are in place for a safe journey.
The best way to protect yourself, your family and our community from COVID-19, is to book your vaccine.
There are lots of appointments available in Swindon. Visit the NHS website to book an appointment now: www.nhs.uk/covidvaccine
Sign up to our emailed weekly newsletter
If you want more up to date on Parish Council and local news then please sign up to our website by visiting www.chiseldon-pc.gov.uk and at the foot of every page there is a subscribe option. Alternatively contact the Clerk who can add you to the mailing list.
Layby Contract approved.
The Parish Council Planning Committee approved at their January meeting the preliminary plans and contractor to provide new parking spaces in Windmill Piece Chiseldon and upgrade the existing parking area in Draycot Foliat.
These plans are still in the early stages as there is a lot of technical work and paperwork to be carried out but we are pleased to have got this project started and look forward to working with our contractor.
The funds for this work have been budged for by the Parish Council over the last 3 years and form part of the ongoing long-term commitment by the committee and the council to improve transport issues where they can within the Parish.
We don’t expect the work to start immediately but will give plenty of notice when we have start dates.
New speed indicator devices (SID’s) for Badbury.
After a lengthy process we are delighted to say we will soon have 2 new smiley face speed indicator devices in Badbury, one at either end of the Hamlet.
The Parish Council are currently working on other locations for more of these devices to be installed.
Washpool work days
The next work day for volunteers at the Washpool area is Sunday 20th Feb 10.00. Come along for as long or as little as you can. Tea/coffee and excellent cake is provided.
Advanced road closure notice by Swindon Borough Council
This Order is being introduced to allow Openreach to lay new duct and will prohibit vehicles from proceeding on Draycot Lane on the verge outside Draycot Close.
Traffic to be diverted via The Ridgeway, A346 Marlborough Road, High Street and vice versa
The Order will come into force on the 12 April 2022 for 6 months but it is anticipated the road closure is only required between 12 to 13 April 2022.
Strategic Transport and Infrastructure
11 February 2022
For further information please contact 01793 463040 quoting reference STR000317
Opening the Parish Council office
From Monday 7th February the Chapel office on Butts Road will be open again on Monday and Wednesday 12.00-2.00pm.
Queens Jubilee event Friday 3rd June 2022
We have started to plan our event for Friday 3rd June which is an extra public holiday. We will be looking for music/bands etc to play at the event so if you know of anyone interested, please let us know. Thanks
Volunteers to help out with arranging the event, and help on the day would also be appreciated.
Wiltshire Age UK Surviving winter grant
There is a £200 grant available for those who are over pension age, on a lower income and worry about the cost of heating. You should call Age UK Wiltshire on 0808 196 2424 if you think you qualify.
Chiseldon Parish Neighbourhood Plan update
Cllrs, staff and volunteers had a meeting on 31st Jan with our Consultant where the next steps were laid out. This is mainly data gathering at the moment. There will be another meeting middle of Feb to allocate those tasks to people. If you are interested in taking part, please contact the Clerk on the details above.
Memory Café next date.
The popular memory café is next running Friday 4th March 2022 10.30am at the Church Hall off Butts Road. The café was created for anyone who wants some company and a chat over a cup of tea or coffee. Also for carers who look after anyone with Dementia or Alzheimer’s to come along with their loved ones. There is singing and dancing, all very informal and fun. There is no charge to attend.
Agenda items agreed within meetings
Improved emergency lighting for council buildings approved.
Insurance valuation surveys for council buildings approved
Approval to maintain the current level of services handed over from Swindon Borough Council in 2016.
Additional equipment to the Chapel toilet to make it more inclusive for use for those with additional needs.
Further tree removal at the Butts Road cemetery to ensure root incursion doesn’t affect the foundations of the building.
Approval to carry out maintenance on chapel and museum windows.
Donation of funds to the British Legion
Councillors also voted to not accept allowance for their role. They will remain as public servants with no renumeration, apart from direct out of pocket expenses.
Approval to start the process to create 2 new laybys for Windmill Piece and Draycot Foliat.
Recreation Hall, Recreation field and Chapel hire:
The Rec hall off Norris Close, the Rec field in the same location and the Parish Council Chapel offices are all available for hire for events, meetings or parties.
Please contact the Clerk on the details above who can advise of charges, availability and what space would suit your needs.
Defibrillators – a reminder
A reminder that the Parish has 4 defibrillators – one outside Cameo Hairdressers on High Street, one outside the Pavilion on the Recreation Field, one outside the Calley Memorial Hall on Draycott Road and one in the BT Box in Badbury. All units are accessed by calling 999 to gain the code for the box. You cannot use these defibrillators on someone who doesn’t need it as the machine will not work. It also provides audible instructions on how to use them.
There is also a defibrillator on the outside wall of the school in Ogbourne St George.
NOW OPEN FOR NEW SUBMISSIONS – Parish Council Grants and Donations fund & Calley Memorial Hall fund
The Parish Council have an annual fund that we can donate to worthy causes within the Parish. If you are a group, charity or society that believe you could benefit from this fund then please contact the Parish Clerk for further details.
The trustees of the Calley Memorial Hall fund are also able to approve grants and donations to worthy causes within the Parish. (This doesn’t have to be connected to users of the Memorial Hall). Please contact the Parish Clerk in the first instance who can provide you with an application form.
(It should be noted that this fund is not connected to the Parish Council)
Next Parish council meeting
The next Full Council meeting of the Parish Council will be Monday 14th 2022. This will start at 7.30pm at the Rec Hall off Norris Close. There is a public recess at the start of proceedings, after which residents can choose to leave the session. Covid restrictions state we must adhere to max. number of attendees to be safe, so regrettably we may need to turn away extra visitors if space does not allow. Please register your interest in attending a meeting with the Parish Clerk, or send in a written report to be read out on your behalf. Meeting locations may change so please verify the location before making a journey. Our committee meetings will now meet in the Chapel Office on Butts Road.