Temporary changes to some council services as Storm Eunice closes in
Some council services will be temporarily suspended as a result of Storm Eunice, which will hit the UK from today (18 February).
Published: Friday, 18th February 2022
Swindon Borough Council has taken the decision to close the Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) in Cheney Manor industrial estate from Friday (18 February), and anyone who has booked a slot is advised to re-book once the site has re-opened. Updates will be provided on the Council’s website as soon as they are available.
The Council’s waste and recycling crews will carry out their normal duties providing it is safe for them to do so. However, normal collections may be affected due to the severe wind, which may slow, or in some instances, prevent collections. People should avoid leaving loose recycling bags out overnight and try to weigh down any recycling boxes with a heavy object.
The weather will continue to be assessed throughout this period and waste services will be maintained as far as possible, however, the safety of crews on the roads will take priority.
The Council’s Severe Weather Emergency Protocol will also be in effect until Monday (21 February), meaning that every effort will be made to provide emergency shelter to all people sleeping rough in Swindon. All rough sleepers the Council is aware of have been contacted and offered accommodation. Members of the public can also report rough sleepers by calling 0300 500 0914 or emailing hoptions@swindon.gov.uk.
To protect the public, all of Swindon’s country parks were closed from 6pm yesterday (17 February), and will remain closed until the weather has significantly improved. This is due to the sheer volume of trees at public parks which make the areas dangerous for public use during high winds. The decision has also been made to close Barbury Castle due to its exposure to the elements.
People are advised to only travel if necessary, and if they do need to travel, they should leave extra time for their journeys.
Core libraries in the Borough - Central Library, Highworth Library, North Swindon Library, Park Library and West Swindon Library - will also be closed for safety reasons.
The Council is reminding parents to listen out for the morning local radio bulletins and communications from schools themselves for any closures. Parents and guardians should also take extra care on their child’s journey to school.
Councillor Kevin Parry, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Service Delivery, Waste and Transport, said: “Disruption is expected across the country with the arrival of Storm Eunice.
“We are taking these precautionary measures to protect our residents. We will provide updates throughout the day on our website as regularly as we can so that people across the Borough know the latest advice and status of our services.”
Residents can stay up to date on council services by visiting this dedicated web page: https://www.swindon.gov.uk/severeweather