CHIPPENHAM NEWS: A CHILDREN'S roundabout has been closed off days after it was installed because it failed safety tests. The roundabout, in John Coles Park, Chippenham, was designed for disabled children under the new Disability Discrimination Act (DDA
CHIPPENHAM NEWS: A CHEWING gum busting machine that cost taxpayers £12,000 has blown up after less than a month's use. The machine, which sat unused in a warehouse for 18 months because of a lack of funds, churned up the road it was supposed to clean
DAVID HOWELL aborted his comeback to competitive golf on the eve of the Johnnie Walker Championships at Gleneagles but still plans to fly out to America next week. After playing in the pro-am on Wednesday he decided he was still not fit enough to return
Having failed to beat the weather last weekend, Swindon will be looking to get their promotion challenge back on track against Colwall tomorrow. Swindon currently sit third in the Glos/Wilts Division 1, and with just five games remaining in the league
ALEX Gidman and Steve Adshead led a Gloucestershire revival at Cheltenham to ensure their match against Hampshire remains evenly balanced. Gidman's 115 was his third first-class century in the past month, while Adshead made 73 as Gloucestershire rallied
Colerne Parish Council chairman Richard Tonge congratulates handyman Bill Dyer (17383/3)CHIPPENHAM NEWS: A HANDYMAN has been praised for all his hard work in helping Colerne win the Best Kept Village award. Colerne scooped the prize for the large village
Carol ClarkeNORTH Wiltshire's health chief has admitted her job is on the line unless she pulls services out of a £32m black hole of debt within three years. North Wiltshire's cash-strapped health trust has been slammed in a scathing report that reveals
NEW ideas to solve the ward imbalance in Westbury are to be put forward to the town council. The two main proposals, which were suggested at a district council seminar on the boundary commission, were discussed at Westbury town council's general purposes
COMMUTERS in west Wiltshire are facing cuts in train services from December next year. The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) has announced that trains running from Westbury and Melksham will be affected. This is due to a new train company combining Great
A FRENCH cafe in Warminster has won first prize in the Start Up business awards. Bosses of Le Caf Journal, in the High Street, were presented with a cheque for £1,000 on Friday. Veronica Wallace and her partner Joel Boehler run the cafe, which sells cakes
STUDENTS have been given a lesson on the uses of languages in the workplace as part of an innovative new scheme. Staff from Bradford on Avon firm Avon Rubber visited St Augustine's Catholic College, Trowbridge, to talk to Year 9 students about the benefits
A MEETING to discuss improvements in air quality in Westbury this week turned into another debate over the long-running bypass issue in the town. The town council met on Tuesday to hear a presentation from West Wiltshire District Council's environmental
Ugo and Kirsten Jonathan who took over The Railway Inn, Westbury two weeks ago, are pictured with their son Henderson (30754)A COUPLE are hoping to preserve the friendly atmosphere of the Railway Inn, Westbury, after taking over as the new owners. Ugo
A SUPPLY and distribution firm in Trowbridge will be holding a fundraising warehouse sale tomorrow to raise money for Cancer Research UK. The Consortium's sale will be open to customers within a 15-mile radius, as well as to staff and their families.
WILTSHIRE have recalled opening batsman Kevin Blackburn as they bid for their first win of the season in the Minor Counties championship this weekend. Blackburn comes in as an attempt to improve the top order batting which has, apart from Damian Shirazi
ONE of the oldest summer fetes and flower shows in the county will celebrate its 56th year this month. The Seend Flower Show, opened by fete princess, Samantha Wooster, will be held on August 13. It will include performances from members of the Wiltshire
COMMUTERS in west Wiltshire are facing cuts in train services from December next year. The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) has announced that trains running from Westbury and Melksham will be affected. This is due to a new train company combining Great
Mandy in the hot seatSINCE she was a little girl Mandy Pantall has dreamed of achieving her pilot's licence. She was well on course after learning to fly gliders aged just 14. But a serious horse riding accident in 1998 left her disabled and fearing her
A sign on a lamp post in Bowerhill explaining the new police powersGANGS of yobs on a residential estate were targeted under new police powers brought in this week. Teenage vandalism, fighting and underage drinking have blighted the Bowerhill estate in
Colin Lewin, who has been cleared of murder, pictured with his daughterFACTORY worker Colin Lewin has been cleared of the savage murder of a beloved dad. Mr Lewin, 35, worked at Cooper-Avon Tyres in Melksham and was accused of murdering Swindon father-of-two
THE BBC is to look at the state of Wiltshire's workplaces. Over the next six months it will be scouring the country to find the UK's healthiest employers to promote health and fitness in factories, and offices. Judges include former athletes Colin Jackson
ALMOST half of small firms do not have a plan to deal with an emergency or crisis, new research shows. A study of 840 small to medium-sized companies across the UK revealed that almost one in five had been hit by a disaster, with some taking months to
SWINDON'S business leaders have welcomed the Bank of England's first interest rate cut for two years. Yesterday, the bank's Monetary Policy Committee reduced rates to 4.5 per cent amid growing concerns about the health of the UK economy following some
WILTSHIRE is not immune from the dangers of terrorism despite remaining a safe place to live, according to a police chief. Armed officers have been patrolling mainline train stations to protect the public in the wake of the recent bomb blasts that caused
LICENSEES of pubs, restaurants and shops are putting their businesses at risk by failing to apply for new licences. Under the new Licensing Act all businesses that serve alcohol, provide entertainment or sell hot food after 11pm have to reapply for their
COMMUTERS in west Wiltshire are facing cuts in train services from December next year. The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) has announced that trains running from Westbury and Melksham will be affected. This is due to a new train company combining Great
Children show off the t-shirts they decorated at the Arc Theatre stand (30755/05)WEST WILTS SHOW 2005: BELLS rang out from the Warminster marquee at the West Wilts Show as the town crier gave guests his traditional rousing cheer. Phil Seddon, the popular
Debbie and Danielle Clark at the Arc Theatre stall (17367/60)WEST WILTS SHOW 2005: VISITORS to the Melksham tent at the West Wilts Show were invited to build their own dream home this year. Traders clubbed together to construct the luxury home in the
Sammy Connor with Westbury Beekeepers member Arthur Goodhead (30755/16)WEST WILTS SHOW 2005: FUN and interaction were the aims of the Westbury tent with activities and entertainment for all the family. Highlights included the beekeeper association's stall
Jo Almabi with his eagle owl Oscar at the show (17367/69)WEST WILTS SHOW 2005: THE different cultures of Trowbridge were reflected in this year's show tent and young and old alike made the most of the chance to show off what the town has to offer. Members
The Hawaii girls from Bradford on Avon hope the rain will stay away (17367/38)WEST WILTS SHOW 2005: CHINA, cheese and cycles were the highlights of the Bradford on Avon tent at the West Wilts Show. Tillions china shop was voted the best stand in the tent
BUSINESSES in Warminster say their futures are under threat after the district council refused to review car-parking charges in the town until the end of September. Since April 1, the cost of parking has doubled from 40p to 80p per hour and traders insist
Rosemary Noble with her Norton motorbike and meerkat (17366/06)History went on the move as vintage vehicles of every description turned up at a village pub. The event was the 22nd anniversary of the Noggin Natter and Nosh, a vintage evening held every
POLICE in Warminster have urged the public to be 'extra vigilant' after the discovery of a cannabis factory in the town. Daniel Alford, 23, and Carl Evans, 25, both of Vicarage Street, were each sentenced to 160 hours community service by magistrates
TICKETS for the first ever global aerobatic competition have been sold on the Internet for up to £70 after more than 700,000 people applied for just 40,000 places. The Red Bull Air Race World Series, a slalom race in the sky in which pilots perform dangerous
Paul Smith, second left, receives the cheques from landlords John Harris, right and Jackie Rossi and, left, Iain Forbes who has since grown back his beard (30753)A GOOD cause persuaded a man who had been bearded for 24 years to submit to the razor. Iain
My sister Jacky and I are off to India on September 9 for one month to visit the village of Burlavaripalem, Andhra Pradesh where the Elizabeth-Ann Trust Fund is raising money for a Loo Project to raise money for 100 loos (each loo costs £74). I would
I always think you can judge the success of a kiddie movie by the buzz they give off as they leave the cinema. Shuffling out with heads down searching for the last few crumbs of popcorn is a bad sign; but in this case every child in the place came out
Helen ThompsonTHERE are more prosecutions for gay hate crimes in Wiltshire than anywhere else in the south west, new figures have revealed. The number of crimes against people in the county who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender was higher than
From the left, Gemma Roberts, Dorinda Moffatt, Kim Dempsey and Lisa Cox Picture Ref: 78708-95FOUR Swindon women are doing all they can-can for charity by staging a Moulin Rouge fundraising event. Dorinda Moffat, 25, has convinced three of her friends
SWINDON would have been a high-priority target in the event of a Cold War attack. The town and its railway works would have been high up on the Soviet Union's list if it decided to attack the West. The extent of Swindon's importance to hostile powers
Jon Pierce Picture Ref: 78728-84WARNINGS that someone could die at the Whitehouse Bridges junction were given weeks before motorcyclist Trevor Gibbs was killed in a crash at the spot. Jon Pierce, pictured, wrote to Swindon Council calling for action to
CHIPPENHAM NEWS: A FARM company has been fined £12,000 after a slurry spill left thousands of fish floating dead on Bowood Lake. Kingsplay Farming Company, of Heddington, near Calne, was taken to court by the Environment Agency on Tuesday after slurry
INITIAL plans to revamp Trowbridge Town Hall have been well received by the public. Early proposals for uses of the building went on display at the West Wilts Show at the weekend. Town development manager Daryl Saville-Brown said: "People want to see
A SUPPLY and distribution firm in Trowbridge will be holding a fundraising warehouse sale tomorrow to raise money for Cancer Research UK. The Consortium's sale will be open to customers within a 15-mile radius, as well as to staff and their families.
THE hunt is on for the best employee in the area and a once in a lifetime trip to Las Vegas is on offer for the lucky, and deserving, winner. Employers and members of the public are free to nominate whoever they feel deserves to be recognised for their
Audrey GriffithsA PENSIONER who abseiled down a 90ft cliff has raised more than £1,000 for charity. Audrey Griffiths, 68, of Longfield Road, Trowbridge, took the plunge to help the Children's Hospice South West raise £15m for a new care home. Mrs Griffiths
Ines Crucefix, chairman of the Steeple Ashton Village Shop Association, right, with John Aeberhard, outside the building where the shop will be (30767)A SEVEN-year battle for a new village shop has ended in victory as campaigners have secured a grant
DRIVERS in the south west are the least likely to break the speed limit with just 11 per cent regularly exceeding the limit. Drivers in north Scotland are the worst at ignoring speed limits with 31 per cent doing so regularly. The figures come from a
Stephanie Baldwin Picture Ref: 78456-25SWINDON beauty Stephanie Baldwin has made the final of a lads' magazine beauty competition. The 19-year-old from Toothill, pictured above, was one of 2,000 girls who entered Nuts magazine's Boardmasters Babes competition
Kevin Hayes is preparing to get to the top of Everest Picture Ref: 78741-76AUGUST 5, 2005: DETERMINED Kevin Hayes says suffering from diabetes won't stop him conquering Mount Everest. The married dad-of-three, from Shaw, needs five injections a day to
IF Swindon needs a university it should be built in town. Young people need the eating and drinking places for their social life. If Swindon Council is paying more than lip service to an eco-friendly existence, they certainly would not plan to have thousands
AFTER I had read the letter from Coun Mallinson (August 2), I first looked to see if it was April 1. No, it was no fool's joke, it was just another case of hypocrisy from another Labour councillor, who can't accept that after the results that they produced
I NOTICE patients are having trouble getting an appointment with their GP due to the newly introduced Government targets. These days if you experience this kind of trouble you are one of the lucky ones. My local Primary Care Trust has a solution for this
TODAY I read with disbelief the appointment of the new Swindon Council directors. Following a national advertising campaign costing £30k to find the best possible people in the country for these positions, we end up with three people who are already working
CHIPPENHAM NEWS: A DRINK-driver has been spared a jail sentence after a court heard his attempted murder prompted him to kick a 30 pints a day cider habit. Simon Sproule, 31, of Charles Street, Corsham, was run down in March by two youths who stole a
A CAMPAIGN is generally viewed as a marathon in football circles but Andy King is looking to his new-look side to make a sprint start in the quest for League One honours. The manager admits he would be a very happy man if the first week of the season
Mark Hempleman-Adams, left, and Marshall Ewart of The Bear at Box with their CAMRA award (30760/3)CHIPPENHAM NEWS: A LOCALLY brewed one-year-old beer has scooped top prize in a real ale show. Tunnel Vision, brewed by Box Breweries, won the Campaign for
YOUNG footballers will have the opportunity to improve their skills this August when Westbury hosts the Alan Ball Football Academy. Elements such as discipline, sportsmanship and teamwork will be focused on along with developing young players to their
A NOISY alcoholic who was thrown out of a Wiltshire train station hurled abuse at local police officers for failing to catch the London bombers. Robert McGladdery, 47, of Graham Street, Newbury, admitted being drunk and disorderly when he appeared before
Jane Cryer & Sue WoodhouseWHEN secretary Jane Cryer took part in a fundraising walk for breast cancer she had no idea that two months later she would need treatment for the disease. Mrs Cryer, 49, of Dilton Marsh, and her friend Sue Woodhouse, also
A SPATE of drink related offences in Westbury have fuelled fears about a summer of booze-fuelled crime in the town. July saw 52 arrests in the town, double the amount from the previous month, with 11 made last weekend alone. According to police, at least
Sub officer Mike Radcliffe and station commander Steve Pearce with, in the background, Gareth Saunders and Paul Gates of Wiltshire Ambulance Service and assistant chief fire officer Peter Baxter (30761)MEMBERS of the emergency services are working together
Andy MissenA BLACKSMITH who was well known for his charity work has died aged 58. Andy Missen, of Woodrow Road, Melksham was a keen member of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (RAOB) and worked to raise funds for local charities. He died at home
NORTH Wiltshire District Council is launching a booklet aimed at promoting businesses in Wootton Bassett. The Made In The Wootton Bassett Area directory is the latest to be launched and has been compiled by the council as part of the Made In Wootton Bassett
A COMPUTER firm based near Swindon has undergone a management buyout. South Cerney-based Apex Computers International, which employs 70 people and has an annual turnover of around £20m, was bought out by a management team led by managing director Nick
A NEW campaign has been launched to help young people understand the effects that excess alcohol can have on themselves and other people. The Be:Safe, Know Your Limits Campaign, launched by the Safer Wiltshire Partnership bodies and Healthier Wiltshire
Kathryn Tuck with her mum Helen Donovan at last weekend's West Wilts Show (17372)THREE young holidaymakers who were caught in the middle of the Sharm el Sheikh bombings arrived home safely but emotionally scarred this week. Sisters Natasha and Stacey
The funnel cloud makes its way through west Wiltshire Photo: Glenn Phillips (30765)A FREAK cloud formation left onlookers wondering if they were about to be hit by a tornado on Monday. Just days after homes in Birmingham were devastated by the worst tornado
Midge Ure hit the high notes during his performance at the show on Friday night (30756/07)WEST WILTS SHOW 2005: FROM the dizzy heights of organising the Live 8 concerts to Trowbridge bandstand is quite a leap but rock legend Midge Ure was happy to be
The Duke of Westminster sees the funny side as he walks around the showground with Mike Williams, president of the Wessex Association of Chambers of Commerce (17367/10)WEST WILTS SHOW 2005: THE ninth annual West Wilts Show got off to a spectacular start
A NEW campaign has been launched to help young people understand the effects that excess alcohol can have on themselves and other people. The Be:Safe, Know Your Limits Campaign, launched by the Safer Wiltshire Partnership bodies and Healthier Wiltshire
Carol ClarkeNORTH Wiltshire's health chief has admitted her job is on the line unless she pulls services out of a £32m black hole of debt within three years. North Wiltshire's cash-strapped health trust has been slammed in a scathing report that reveals
THE McGuinness Trading Ltd-sponsored Frome Sunday League is to expand for the new season. At the league's annual meeting applications were received from seven new clubs, and one from Witham Friary, who were looking to rejoin after a spell in the Blackmore
TOMMY Saunders manages a Chippenham Town side one more time this weekend as local football pays tribute to one of its favourite sons. John Woods has always been one of most popular footballers around. Over the past six months, as he has battled against
Hayley RichardsA DRINK-driver could face perjury charges after claiming he was a cousin of tragic Hayley Richards in a "despicable" plea to magistrates. Stuart Drake, 39, formerly of The Halve, Trowbridge, was caught drink-driving on the south coast on
TWO friends cycled the length of the country, covering more than 1,000 miles, to raise £3,000 for charity. Isabel Martindale, 64, and Richard Craft, 57, of Bradford on Avon, rode from Lands End to John O'Groats last month. The 16-day trip was in aid of
A TEENAGER was robbed, beaten to the floor and kicked in the face in a town centre assault. The 16-year-old was attacked on the town bridge in Bradford on Avon on Sunday by a pair of thugs who stole his wallet and personal CD player. Shortly before the
Recently, I had the dubious 'pleasure' of using a recycling centre in Liverpool. It was not a nice experience, although they had skips for the usual green, wood, plastic, etc they also had a heap used to dump what looked like any household waste. The
I was very concerned to see that the Environment Agency is encouraging angling as a past time. Surely people can think of more productive things to do with their spare time than to cause physical harm and suffering to fish and destroy our riversides in
AS a new resident of Bowerhill, it is reassuring to hear that the local authorities and police are pulling together to combat the annoying and petty crimes being committed by a few apprentice thugs. But I hope it doesn't mean that well- behaved young
EIGHT hundred years of treasured county archives should be in safekeeping in a place giving maximum security and protection, away from a risk situation that could be hazardous or perilous to those records and the lives of staff and general public. Building
This year's West Wilts Show really was the biggest and best yet! My thanks and congratulations go to all the District Council staff involved in making this such a fantastic showcase for West Wiltshire. As Leader of the Council, I was very proud to see
It was only a matter of time before a member of the Government stepped outside the sensible and considered approach adopted by the polictical parties following the terror attacks on London. This week, the hapless Geoff Hoon took such a step when he attempted
We would like to say how disappointed and disgusted we were with the way the Cabaret Night at the Civic Hall in Trowbridge, held on July 30, was "managed". We waited over an hour while the bands sorted their sound systems out. We had to put up with the
I HAVE been watching racing at the Castle Combe circuit since 1952 and I am disappointed that a handful of people can spoil the enjoyment of thousands over the noise level of the F3/GT meeting in June. This is only four-and-a-half hours per year of excessive
THE GREAT DEBATE: Swindon councillor Owen Lister, who is also a former GP, shares his thoughts on the university proposals. Much has been written about Coate in the past week or so, and the proposed development there of a university in addition to housing
Council licensing officer Lionel Starling Picture Ref: 72583-51A LAST-MINUTE rush of applications from pub and restaurant owners for new licences is expected ahead of the deadline. They have until tomorrow to apply for a new licence. Businesses must apply
Children as young as 12 can now get pregnancy testing kits and emergency contraception at chemistsNEWS that girls of 12 can get the morning after pill at their local chemist should serve as a wake-up call to society, says Swindon's bishop. Yesterday's
Picture Ref: 78736-67WOMEN have been warned to be careful after two attacks in a Swindon park. Police say the attacks could be linked. In the latest incident a mother managed to fight off her attacker and get away after he indecently assaulted her in
An artist's impression of how the Wicker Hill area of Trowbridge will look in the futureA rundown area dominated by a disused toilet block could be transformed into a charming riverside oasis. Artist's impressions of how the town bridge area of Trowbridge
POLICE arrested six people after a mass brawl on a troubled estate on Monday. About 20 young people were involved in the fight in Francis Street, on the Seymour Estate, and residents say they have been plagued by anti-social behaviour for years. Mother-of-four
RESIDENTS on a Trowbridge street have been told their gardens contain 'unacceptable levels' of contamination and fear they may have to pay thousands to put it right. West Wiltshire District Council informed five concerned householders in Waterworks Road
Louise HuddA PEEPING Tom who spied on a naked woman at a tanning studio was spotted when he almost fell through the ceiling. The pervert, who was tall with short hair, was leering at Louise Hudd, 20, of Sherbourne Road, Trowbridge, as she relaxed in the
CRIME hotspots could be targeted by roving CCTV cameras in an attempt to crackdown on thugs and vandals who have been making lives a misery. Nine areas in Trowbridge including Newtown and the Seymour estate are being assessed today with a view to installing
Owner Jennifer Lewis keeps an eye on elderly Squido Photo: Glenn Phillips (30772)SQUIDO the cat is scratching at the door of the record books as he enters the 24th year of an extraordinary life. Owner Jennifer Lewis, of Wynsome Street, Southwick, believes
Stephanie Cockbill and Darren Wing with their daughter Lillie-Anna (30770)A COUPLE are a step closer to their dream wedding after battling it out to win the Wiltshire Times' wedding competition. Darren Wing, 33, and Stephanie Cockbill, 27, of Salter Close
Barbara Osmond, left, and her daughter Sarah Curtis, who took part in the Race for Life (30769)CANCER has not stopped one woman living life to the full or from raising money for others with the disease. Barbara Osmond, 56, of Manor Road, Trowbridge, completed
Hayley RichardsA DRINK-driver could face perjury charges after claiming he was a cousin of tragic Hayley Richards in a "despicable" plea to magistrates. Stuart Drake, 39, formerly of The Halve, Trowbridge, was caught drink-driving on the south coast on
SUPERMARINE meet Cove from the Combined Counties League in their last pre-season friendly at Hunts Copse. The Hampshire side are managed by former Swindon Town defender Gareth Hall. "We used a full strength side against Banbury but mixed sides in some
CIRENCESTER Town entertain Bristol Rovers in their final pre-season friendly tomorrow. The Southern League premier outfit have already played Football League opposition in Orient and Swindon Town but on this occasion will not face any first teamers. "
Picture Ref: 78725-3IT was music to Lauren Davidge's ears when she was told that she was to receive an Apple iPod from a Swindon Advertiser competition. In fact it was Lauren's mum Karen who won the prize, but kindly passed it on to her daughter. And
Picture Ref: 78720-82REMEMBER, remember the fifth of November, Gunpow-der, treason and plot. And that is exactly what one teacher has done, by writing a fictional novel about it. Bob Pixton, 57, said: "Everybody knows, or thinks they know, how the story
The new president of Swindon Old Town Rotary club, Tony Wall, left, receives his chain of office from last year's president John PoolmanTHE new president of the Rotary Club of Swindon and Old Town has received his chain of office at special handover ceremony
Bond girls Caroline Munro and Trina Parks, with Steve Goss Picture Ref: 78737-34HOLLYWOOD glitz and glamour swept through Swindon with the arrival of not one, but two Bond girls. And they came with a licence to thrill their fans. Trina Parks, who played
FIREFIGHTERS had to rescue a woman trapped in a lift at a town centre shop. The crew from Swindon were called to British Home Stores, in Regent Street, just after 3pm yesterday. They arrived within minutes and released the woman who was trapped between
PREPARATIONS are underway for the wedding of the first child from Swindon's biggest family to get married. Charlotte will be the first of the 15 Povey children from Grange Park to walk up the aisle, in September. The 21-year-old will marry Craig Preston
FALLEN high-flier Amanda Jones stole model trucks from a family who had taken her in and sold them on internet auction site eBay to pay off debts, a court heard. Jones, 31, who was made redundant from a Swindon IT firm, admitted theft at Swindon Magistrates
PLEASE could I say a big thank you to Swindon Council and the Mela Committee for the wonderful day out at the Town Gardens. My granddaughters and I have been coming to this event since it began and have really enjoyed the mix of India and England. This
IN response to some letters you've published, yes the bins are a good idea, if they were collected weekly. But rubbish is left by the roadside every fortnight, all around the West Swindon area after the bin men have gone round collecting. Plus in all
WE live in the block of flats where the recent fatal motorcycle accident happened, and saw the devastation of the accident. It was one of the most horrific sights I have ever seen. I can't help thinking that the council may be partly to blame! Why don't
