Holly Rattley

Villagers in Biddestone, Wiltshire, have placed makeshift paddling pools and plastic tanks at a historic 17th Century pond after it completely dried out, allowing ducks to stay hydrated. They are also planning to dredge excess silt to increase the pond’s water capacity, following a similar clearance in 1958. The drying is linked to exceptionally warm, dry conditions, with the Met Office reporting that July 2026 was the driest July on record. Residents fear that reduced rainfall and warmer summers could make it difficult for the pond to recover.

David Oliver, 60, from Marlborough, died on 11 August after his Triumph Scrambler collided with a Volvo V60 in Chiseldon, Wiltshire. His family paid tribute to his kindness, sense of humour, adventurous spirit and love for his family and dogs. A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of drug driving, causing death by careless driving while under the influence and possessing an offensive weapon, and was later released on bail. Wiltshire Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage.

A 16-year-old boy on trial at Bristol Crown Court for the stabbing death of 16-year-old Shayne Hambakachere in Chippenham denies murder. Giving evidence, the accused said he armed himself and led Shayne to an alley because he feared gang-related knife violence and intended only to scare him away, not kill him. He acknowledged filming the stabbing, saying he hoped the video would deter others from harassing him. Prosecutors questioned his claims of fear, including why he had previously robbed Shayne and possessed and displayed a knife. The trial is continuing.

The imminent closure of Zinc, the last nightclub in Trowbridge, leaves local young people with limited nightlife options and highlights a national decline in late-night venues. Teenager Ayden Strawson says the closure forces costly travel to nearby cities, while the Night Time Industries Association warns that continued losses threaten cultural and social spaces nationwide. Zinc’s management attributes the decision to financial non-viability and thanks staff and patrons for their support.

A 19-year-old man died after his car left the A36 between Whaddon and Brickworth Corner near Salisbury early Thursday morning. Emergency services arrived shortly after 05:30 BST but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Wiltshire Police notified his family and appealed for witnesses or dashcam footage. The road was temporarily closed while inquiries into the cause of the crash continue.

A cat in Calne was killed by two dogs while resting under a car, leaving its owner devastated. Wiltshire Police are investigating the incident under the Dangerous Dogs Act, which can apply when dogs attack other animals. Local health centre staff assisted in taking the cat for emergency care. DEFRA said it takes such attacks seriously and continues efforts to promote responsible dog ownership.

A former Tesco store in Chippenham’s Emery Gate shopping centre will be converted into four padel courts opening in September as part of a wider redevelopment project that includes new homes, shops and leisure facilities. Project leaders and local officials say the initiative will boost footfall and community activity, with the padel facility expected to fill a gap in regional sports provision and serve a broad catchment along the M4 corridor.

A wildfire on Salisbury Plain must burn out naturally because the area contains unexploded military ordnance, preventing fire crews from entering. The Ministry of Defence halted firing exercises after spotting the blaze and said the Range Danger Area is designed to contain such fires. Previous wildfires linked to military activity have occurred due to live-fire exercises. Local fire services cannot intervene, and residents are advised to keep windows closed. Authorities continue monitoring conditions and coordinating public safety guidance.

A 37-year-old man, Nuno Spinola, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving following a June 2024 collision in Swindon that killed pedestrian Jonathan Neilan. Spinola is due to appear at Swindon Magistrates' Court. Neilan’s family described him as a devoted family member and active community volunteer. Wiltshire Police noted that delays in bringing the charge resulted from the time required for forensic analysis, pathology work, CCTV processing, and coordination with the Crown Prosecution Service.