Cllr Leanne Stevenson

27/05/2026

Quite a journey....

27/05/2026

Thank you to the Swindon Advertiser for covering the new safety features now installed at Mouldon Hill Lake.

Following the tragic deaths of dogs in and around the lake and nearby watercourses, Cllr Vinay Manro and I took action at parish level to ensure the water safety concerns at Mouldon Hill were formally raised, followed up and escalated.

As the lake is an asset owned by Swindon Borough Council, we wrote to SBC requesting a review of the storm drains, culverts and drainage features in the area. This included asking for ownership to be confirmed, safety standards to be checked, and any required actions to be set out clearly.

A further update was also noted at Haydon Wick Council Full Council last night, following the response received from Swindon Borough Council.

The update confirms that temporary secondary barriers were installed on 23 January and the area was made safe. A further visit took place on 16 February to check the temporary fencing remained in place and to review the water level. On 19 March, a repeat visit confirmed that the water level was suitable for the grate to be replaced, and by the end of March a new grate had been fitted.

Swindon Borough Council has also confirmed that monthly checks and clearance of the outlet have now been added to the Park Warden’s monthly work sheet. Monthly visit reports will be shared with the Flooding Team, and maintenance of the outlet will sit with the Park Warden Team.

The Flooding Team will also carry out an annual review of the safety measures in place and their effectiveness, with a further courtesy update expected in three months.

These actions sit alongside the more substantial culvert guards and fencing, repairs to the non-return valve, and additional warning signage around water depth and the potential for fast currents, particularly after heavy rain.

While nothing can undo the loss of Rae, Peggy and Meg, this is a positive outcome and a clear example of practical councillor follow-up: identifying the issue, escalating it through the correct channels, keeping it on the agenda, and securing action to improve safety at Mouldon Hill Lake.

Cllr Leanne Stevenson & Cllr Vinay Manro

Action has been taken to improve safety features at a Swindon lake after three dogs died.

25/05/2026

7th Swindon Kingdom Cubs and Kingfisher Beavers Spring Camp 2026 💫

A strong example of local youth provision in action, with 7th Swindon Kingdom Cubs and Kingfisher Beavers taking part in a full weekend of structured outdoor learning, practical skills and team-based activities.

Across the camp, the young people took part in den building, tent pitching, knot tying, fire lighting, decorating tote bags, preparing their own lunches and backwoods cooking, before moving on to archery, tomahawks, target shooting, Nerf shooting, arts and crafts, garden games, catapult making, a water fight and a visit from Mario’s Ice Cream Van during the very hot weather.

I attended on Saturday as both a trustee of 7th Swindon Scout Group and an adult volunteer. It was clear to see the value of Scouting in helping young people develop confidence, resilience, independence, teamwork and practical skills in a safe and supportive environment.

I also want to recognise the support of Cllr Jake Chandler - St Andrews and St Andrews Parish Council. While serving as Chair of St Andrews Parish Council, Cllr Chandler and the committee awarded a £1,000 community grant to support 7th Swindon Scout Group, which serves families across both Haydon Wick Parish and St Andrews Parish.

That funding contributed towards three new tents, as seen in the photos, and wider group projects. The tents were very gratefully received and made a clear difference over the weekend, providing more space, suitable sleeping arrangements and a practical changing area for the children, particularly during the hot weather.

From a trustee perspective, there are still opportunities to support Scouting locally, including trustee roles and the volunteer treasurer role. These roles are vital in helping the Group remain well run, safe, sustainable and able to continue supporting young people across the local area.

Trustee and volunteer treasurer opportunities:

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17L581HK7p/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Information for families interested in joining Beavers, Cubs, Scouts or Explorers:

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18mJ2eRt5f/?mibextid=wwXIfr

A huge thank you to the leaders who organised and delivered such a wonderful event, and to the parents who supported the weekend. Most importantly, a massive well done to all of the Beavers and Cubs who took part. This was a brilliant weekend of learning, teamwork and adventure, and a clear reminder of the positive role Scouting plays in our local community.

24/05/2026

Update following Swindon Borough Council’s Annual Council meeting

Following the Annual Council meeting on 22 May 2026, Cllr Gary Sumner was elected Leader of Swindon Borough Council, forming a new Conservative minority administration.

The new Cabinet appointments are as follows:

Leader of the Council – Cllr Gary Sumner Economic Development, Inward Investment, Local Plan, and Regional/National Relations

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategy, Resilience and Green Infrastructure – Cllr Jake Chandler - St Andrews

Cabinet Member for Adults and Health – Cllr Vinay Manro

Cabinet Member for Finance, Recovery and Transformation – Cllr Keith Williams - Shaw Swindon

Cabinet Member for Housing and Property – Cllr Matty Courtliff

Cabinet Member for Children and Education – Cllr Kate Tomlinson

Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport – Cllr Nick Gardiner

Cabinet Member for Culture, Planning and Regeneration – Councillor Matthew Vallender

Cabinet Member for Recycling and Streetscene – Cllr Kevin Parry

Cabinet Member for Community Engagement, Safety and Services – Cllr Matt Hinton for Chiseldon and Ridgeway

During the same meeting, three member champion appointments were also confirmed to support key community priorities:

Armed Forces Champion – Cllr Leanne Stevenson

Mental Health Champion – Cllr Alex Hughes

Stopping Violence Against Women and Girls Champion – Cllr Nandini Singh - Shaw Swindon

Alongside these appointments, councillors will also serve on a range of committees and outside bodies to support the work of the Council over the year ahead.

This marks an important point for Swindon Borough Council, with a clear focus now on representation, delivery, scrutiny and working constructively for residents across Swindon.

23/05/2026

Proud to be appointed as Swindon’s Armed Forces Champion

I am really proud to have been appointed as Swindon’s Armed Forces Champion. As someone who served in the British Army for 23 years, this role means a great deal to me personally. The Armed Forces community includes serving personnel, veterans, reservists, cadets, service families and all those whose lives are shaped by military service. Their voices, experiences and needs must be understood and represented.

Swindon Borough Council has signed the Armed Forces Covenant, which is built on a clear principle: those who serve, those who have served, and their families should face no disadvantage in accessing public and commercial services.

That principle matters. But it must be more than words on a page.

Leaving the Armed Forces is not simply a career change, and support should not stop once someone has formally transitioned into civilian life. The challenges can begin before discharge, during resettlement, or years later when veterans and families are trying to access housing, employment, school places, healthcare, NHS dental provision, community support, or specialist advice.

For some, the transition into civilian life is smooth. For others, the gaps appear later. A veteran may not know where to turn. A family may struggle to navigate local services. Someone may have served years ago but still need practical support, guidance, advocacy, or simply a clearer route into the help that already exists.

If we are serious about the Armed Forces Covenant, we need to understand where the system is working, where it is falling short, and whether serving personnel, service leavers, veterans, reservists, cadets and Armed Forces families are able to access meaningful support at the point they need it.

The Covenant should not simply sit as a statement of intent. It should be tested against lived experience, local data, consultation, and clear outcomes for the Armed Forces community.

Swindon has a proud Armed Forces community, and I am ready to buckle down in this new appointment. I will be looking closely at the detail, listening to those with lived experience, and working to ensure that those connected to military life feel seen, valued, respected and properly supported.

Alongside this appointment, I will also be serving on a number of committees across Swindon Borough Council and Haydon Wick Parish Council, continuing my work around children and education, fairness, green spaces, parks, open spaces and community development.

I am honoured to take on this responsibility, and I am determined to make it meaningful.

Cllr Leanne Stevenson

22/05/2026

Looking forward to the annual council meeting

Will they succeed?

22/05/2026

The Underground Youth Club – North Swindon

It is really encouraging to see local youth provision available here in North Swindon. The Underground Youth Club gives young people a safe, welcoming and positive place to go after school, spend time with others, and feel part of something in their local community.

Based next to North Swindon Library at the Orbital, the club supports young people aged 11–16. It offers free snacks, games, a PS4, pool table, table tennis and a friendly space to relax, socialise and unwind after the school day.

The club is open every Monday and Tuesday, with Friday sessions also currently advertised from 3.30pm–5.30pm. Opening times and additional sessions may vary, so it is worth keeping an eye on The Underground Youth Club page for the latest updates.

The Underground is led by The Well Church North Swindon, with support from local churches and partner organisations. It also receives funding support, including from Haydon Wick Council and the Wiltshire and Swindon Community Foundation.

Youth spaces like this are vital. They give young people somewhere safe, familiar and positive to go after school, with food, activities, trusted adults and a sense of belonging. For families, that kind of local provision can make a real difference, particularly when it is free, accessible and rooted in the community.

Please share with any families who may benefit.

Cllr Leanne Stevenson

22/05/2026

I’m pleased to support Cllr Gary Sumner following his re-election as Leader of the Conservative Group on Swindon Borough Council, and Cllr Jake Chandler following his election as Deputy Leader. As the Council meets today, I look forward to working constructively as part of the Conservative Group to help deliver for residents across Swindon, including here in Priory Vale. The focus must now be on strong local representation, practical delivery, and putting residents first.

The Conservative Group on Swindon Borough Council were pleased to re-elect their leader Cllr Gary Sumner, and elect their new deputy leader, Cllr Jake Chandler, last week. 🫱🏻‍🫲🏼

Since the local election results on Friday 8 May, Gary & Jake have been leading discussions on the best way forward for Swindon residents.

🗣️ Cllr Sumner commented:

“No single party has a monopoly on good ideas, and we are committed to working with all parties and independent members to ensure this town gets the results it deserves.”

🗣️ Cllr Chandler commented:

“While we are opening the door to better cooperation, our core mission remains unchanged, delivering on the Conservative election promises that residents voted for.”

21/05/2026

Seven Fields Nature Reserve – Kings Bridge update

Further to previous updates, Kings Bridge at Seven Fields Nature Reserve is currently undergoing refurbishment.

By way of background, Kings Bridge sits between Spring Field and Half Moon Ground and was temporarily removed earlier this month so that essential repair and refurbishment work could be carried out safely off site.

The bridge has now been inspected and dismantled into three main sections. The sections have been sent for shot blasting, with remedial repair work, hot dip galvanising and painting forming part of the refurbishment process. Subject to the remaining works progressing as planned, the completed sections are expected to be bolted back together, with delivery back to site hoped for around Thursday 28 or Friday 29 May.

While walking the fields this evening, we spoke with several residents, some of whom were unaware of the work taking place or the expected timeframe for the bridge’s return. King Bridge is an important access point within Seven Fields, so I know many residents and visitors will welcome seeing this work progress.

As former Seven Fields liaison, I will share one final update once King Bridge has been completed and returned to site. Along side this ongoing updates will continue through the Seven Fields Conservation Group and the new liaison councillors.

21/05/2026

Seven Fields Nature Reserve – liaison handover

Last night I met with Cllr Leigh Jackson and Cllr Nathan Bradley at Seven Fields Nature Reserve as part of my handover following my recent election to Swindon Borough Council and my decision to step down as the Seven Fields liaison.

I have served as the Seven Fields liaison for the past two years, so I wanted to walk the reserve with them in person, sharing the local knowledge built up during that time. This included the orientation of the different meadows, key access points, ongoing issues, previous casework, fly-tipping hotspots, areas linked to antisocial behaviour, and wider points of interest across the site.

Seven Fields is a large and valued nature reserve, and local knowledge really matters when supporting its ongoing care. It was important to me that the handover was practical, detailed and on site, rather than simply done through notes or emails.

While walking the fields, we spoke with a number of residents, carried out a litter pick, and checked in on previous casework. I was pleased to see that the woodchip on the main car park dog-walking route has now been replenished by Swindon Borough Council. This is a well-used route, including by those attending Seven Fields parkrun, and supports the ongoing care and maintenance of the reserve alongside the work of the Seven Fields Conservation Group.

The Seven Fields liaison role will now be supported by three councillors: Cllr Leigh Jackson, Cllr Nathan Bradley and Cllr Chichi Chikezie-Morris. Although Cllr Chikezie-Morris was not present for this evening’s walk, she is one of the councillors now taking this work forward.

Although I have now stepped down from the liaison role, Seven Fields remains an important local space to me, and I will continue to support where appropriate in my wider councillor role.

Cllr Leanne Stevenson

Pictured with Cllr Leigh Jackson and Cllr Nathan Bradley.