Latest news with #ChrisWatts
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
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Problem underpass and cycle path STILL flooding after complaints
A cycle path and underpass flooded again after Storm Herminia hit Swindon. The Drake's Way Eastern Flyer, accessible from Marlowe Avenue, is currently unusable due to the amount of water filling the tunnel. The route, which has colourful murals decorating its sides, often falls foul of heavy rain as the low-lying path collects rainwater and any overflow from nearby drains. There have been several instances of the route becoming inaccessible due to standing water not draining away from the area, and on one occasion it froze over creating a temporary and dangerous public ice rink. (Image: Dave Cox) Your Community, Your News Subscribe to Swindon Advertiser now for either 50% off for a year or 3 months for £3. Stay connected with all local happenings. #CommunityNews #SpecialOffer — Swindon Advertiser (@swindonadver) January 20, 2025 Read More: Swindon flood investigation aims to discover who owns what Members of the public have frequently asked for something to be done to stop this from happening. In 2021, one Adver reader sent in photos and said: "Here is the Drakes Way subway. It floods like this every single time it rains heavily. "It has been done for years now and still no action taken to fix it." Part of the issue is that there appears to be an evident confusion of responsibilities for the area. (Image: Dave Cox) In 2022, Thames Water seemed to believe the issue was it's to resolve The utility company said the flooding was caused by a surface water pipe that runs from the underpass down to a local watercourse, which is affected when water levels rise in the stream and then back up the pipe causing flooding to the underpass. It added that it was going to survey to determine if it could lift the last section of the surface water pipe out of the watercourse so that it isn't affected during periods of heavy rain In March 2023, when the brightly painted subway that had been recently painted by a local mural artist was flooded Swindon Borough Council reiterated this when it told the Advertiser it was the responsibility of Thames Water. (Image: Dave Cox) But when the subway was flooded again in 2024, the water company said that it was the responsibility of the borough council. After flooding issues around the whole of Swindon last year, Swindon Borough Council launched an investigation to identify the causes of frequent inundations and also the best way to prevent them in the future. But councillor Chris Watts, the cabinet member in charge, says the first issue is to determine where differing responsibilities lie - with the borough council, with Thames Water or with the Environment Agency. The council is expected to complete the report, known as a Section 19 report, in 2025.
