TREES FOR CLIMATE PROJECT
Conversations have been held between Swindon Borough Council and the Parish Council for several months now regarding suitable locations for additional trees to be increase the tree cover across the Borough from 8% to 30%. Any planting comes fully funded including a lump sum for future maintenance costs, so is at no cost to the Parish Council. Whilst in some areas, whips have been planted in significant numbers, it has been agreed that is not appropriate for either of the Parks in Covingham.
As all necessary surveys have been completed and permissions needed to plant granted, proposals have now been made for both parks. The Parish Council has agreed to the proposals in principle by a majority vote. However, we would like to hear you, our Residents, your opinions before the final OK is given. The plantings suggested is for standard cherry blossom trees, the actual species to be confirmed once availability is known, as outlined by the green fluorescent dots in the photos below.
COVINGHAM PARK
The red lines are to identify the drainage channels.
SMITANBROOK PARK
Please let us know your thoughts by emailing any comments you may have to
Night Closures of A419/A417 October 2024
Essential maintenance will be carried out on the A419/A417. These works will affect various sections of the A419/A417, the remaining sections of the A419/A417 outside of the works area shall operate as usual.
The night closures are scheduled on the locations below and will take place from 8pm until 6am the following morning.
- A419 Closure between A420 White Hart Roundabout Junction and Turnpike Junction Northbound night time closures ONLY
o Thursday 17th October
o Friday 18th October
o Saturday 19th October - A419 Closure between Lady Lane Junction and A420 White Hart Roundabout Junction Southbound night time closures ONLY
o Saturday 19th October
o Sunday 20th October - A417 Closure between Air Balloon Roundabout and Burford Road Interchange Southbound night time closures ONLY
o From Monday 30th September to Friday 4th October
o Monday 7th October
o Tuesday 8th October - A417 Closure between M5 Junction 11A and A46 Shurdington Road Junction Southbound night time closures ONLY
o Wednesday 9th October
o Thursday 10th October
o Friday 11th October - A417 Closure between A46 Shurdington Road Junction and Air Balloon Roundabout Southbound night time closures ONLY
o Saturday 12th October
o Monday 14th October
o Tuesday 15th October - A417 Closure between Air Balloon Roundabout and A46 Shurdington Road Junction Northbound night time closures ONLY
o Monday 14th October
o Tuesday 15th October - A417 Closure between Burford Road Interchange and Air Balloon Roundabout Northbound night time closures ONLY
o Monday 14th October
o Tuesday 15th October - A417 Closure between Air Balloon Roundabout and Burford Road Interchange Southbound night time closures ONLY
o Monday 14th October
o Tuesday 15th October - A417 Closure between A46 Shurdington Road Junction and M5 Junction 11A Northbound night time closures ONLY
o Wednesday 16th October
For information on the diversion routes that will be in place, click here.
Notice of Temporary Road Closure
Wanborough Road will be closed for essential bridge maintenance works (The bridge over the A419) from 9th February 2024 for 6 months but it is anticipated that the restrictions are only required between 9th February and 12th February 2024.
Traffic will be diverted via Kingfisher Drive to Commonhead Roundabout.
CALLING ALL BUDDING STREET ARTISTS!
Covingham Parish Council are looking for 2 or 3 budding street artists to help brighten up our skate park area in Covingham.
The skate park equipment is beginning to look a little tired, it has been defaced, tagged with graffiti which has no relevance to anybody in the area.
Interested? We’ll supply the paint!!!!
Send us pictures of your artwork and contact details to:
We look forward to hearing from you 😊
Derek Benfield
The Parish Council was saddened to hear of the passing of Derek yesterday, 26th October 2022. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this sad time.
He was a stalwart of the Parish Council having served as a Councillor for over 30 years which shows an outstanding commitment to the residents of Covingham. This milestone was acknowledged in May 2021 when he was awarded the Honorary Freedom of the Parish of Covingham, which when told, rendered Derek speechless and emotional. Whilst this award was to recognise his service to the Parish of Covingham, we must not forget his achievements in the wider community. He was elected as a Borough Councillor in 1992, becoming the Deputy Leader of the Council in 1994, a position he held until 2002. The achievements during this period that he was most proud of was the creation of Stanton Park, Shaw Community Forest and Shop Mobility. He also held the role of Vice Chairman of the Police Authority for 8 years. He was the Mayor in 2003-2004 when he undertook 684 engagements and was the runner up in The Mayor of England competition. Other organisations that benefitted from his experience are Age Concern where he was Chairman, a role he also held for Health watch and he was a committee member of the Bobby Van Trust and Dial-a-Ride.
Derek was always a good listener and would willingly share both his knowledge and experience and provide advice when asked. He always had time for the residents and his Parish Council colleagues. It didn’t matter what the problem was, after a few minutes with Derek he always provided sound counsel and you left with a smile on your face.
He was a true gentleman and friend to many and will be sorely missed. He will remain in our memories for years to come. It was an honour and privilege to have known him.
My thanks to Royston Cartwright for sharing this photo and giving me permission to use it. It was taken in September 2020 at Coate Water.
Val Curtis
Chair, Covingham Parish Council
27th October 2022