Wash Hands, Cover Face, Make Space View in browser

Hi my name is Steve Maddern and I’m the Director of Public Health at Swindon Borough Council.

Understandably the recent outbreak of COVID-19 cases amongst staff working for XPO Logistics in Swindon has caused anxiety within the community. I wanted to share this update with you.

The situation is under control with new cases continuing to fall. In total, 77 staff have tested positive with 13 cases being reported since the end of last week. A total of 515 people have been tested as a precaution and those who have been identified as being close contacts of those affected have been told to self-isolate in accordance with government guidance.

Of the handful of people who recently tested positive for COVID-19, all were either self-isolating or had not been in the business for other reasons. Twenty-five staff have since returned to work.

Thankfully, there is currently no evidence of a wider community spread of COVID-19 in Swindon but we continue to monitor the situation closely.

We all need to do our bit to protect the health of our community. Please continue washing your hands for more than 20 seconds, wear a face covering where instructed and practise social distancing. If you feel you have COVID-19 symptoms (high temperature, new persistent cough, loss of smell or taste) then self-isolate, do not go to work and book a COVID-19 test either online or via NHS 119.

Thank you for playing your part to keep you and your community safe.

The latest government updates

From Saturday (8 August) we must:

Until at least 15 August:

  • Leisure settings, like bowling alleys, skating rinks and casinos, will remain closed
  • Indoor performances will not be permitted
  • Restrictions will remain on the highest risk close contact services, such as treatments on the face like eyebrow threading and make-up application
  • Wedding ceremonies and civil partnerships can be attended by up to 30 people, but larger receptions including sit-down meals, should not take place
Keeping young people connected over the summer

We’ve distributed 794 laptops to disadvantaged families, children and young adults across the borough who meet criteria set out by the Government

Now that the summer holidays are here, we hope these laptops will help to connect young people with their social worker and provide them with an equal opportunity to continue their learning away from school.

Caring for the wildlife in Wichelstowe

New habitats have been created and measures have been introduced on both sides of the motorway to make sure work on the Wichelstowe Southern Access road, under the M4, doesn't impact local wildlife.  

  • We've installed wildlife sensitive lighting for nocturnal species like bats and badgers
  • Built two underpasses to allow amphibians, reptiles, water vole and otters to move between six new ponds either side of the motorway
  • Wildlife kerbs have been added to reduce the likelihood of amphibians getting trapped in the drainage system 
  • Bat roost boxes have been installed in the trees

So far, we have relocated 408 great crested newts, 670 slowworms, 13 grass snakes and 559 toads.

Investing in our heritage buildings

On Tuesday (4 August), the Government announced we will receive £4m, through Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership (SWLEP) to invest in the Carriage Works as part of the Getting Building Fund.

The regeneration of the Grade II listed building is one of our key heritage projects, and this cash injection will help secure its sustainable future.

Eat Out To Help Out this August

This week the Government launched their Eat Out To Help Out scheme, giving you 50% off any meal or non-alcoholic drink, up to £10, on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays in August.

Use this online postcode search to find out which pubs, cafés and restaurants are taking part near you.

More than 27,000 pre-booked visits to the HWRC

Since the Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) reopened we have taken 27,000 bookings through our online booking system and received some great feedback from residents. The booking system allows us to control the number of people on site to protect you and our staff, allocate time throughout the day to clean the site thoroughly and limit the number of times a household can visit per month, to give everybody an equal chance of using the HWRC.

The next edition of Highways News will be issued tomorrow (7 August).

Sign up now to receive the latest updates on major road improvement schemes like Moonrakers junction, White Hart and Mead Way.

Other council news
Wood Street closure to come into force tomorrow evening

Wood Street in Old Town will be closed to traffic on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights to make the area safer for pedestrians.

M4 Junction 15 improvement work is due to start on Monday

A multi-million pound scheme, which will tackle congestion and help unlock thousands of new homes in Swindon, is due to start next week.

More sources of information

Book a coronavirus test if you or someone in your household has symptoms

Find out how we are controlling and preventing the spread of coronavirus in Swindon

Check the latest coronavirus advice and get answers to your frequently asked questions

Pre-book a slot at the Household Waste Recycling Centre

See our daily report of waste and recycling collections

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All rights reserved.

Swindon Borough Council, Euclid Street, Swindon

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