Jason Hughes

The A346 between Burbage and Marlborough in Wiltshire will close for five days from August 17, 2026, between 9:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., while Uptons Ltd carries out urgent tree safety works in Savernake Forest. Wiltshire Council said the closure is necessary for public safety. Drivers will be diverted via the A338, A342, Devizes, the A361 and A4, with access for residents and businesses maintained where possible but delays expected.

Amavi, a new Mediterranean restaurant at 4 The Parade in Marlborough, has opened in the former Pagoda restaurant premises. The venue serves food inspired by Greece and Italy and aims to provide a welcoming setting, seasonal cuisine, selected wines and Mediterranean hospitality. Marlborough Town Council welcomed the independent business, which will open seven days a week.

Pound Farm Cafe near Lyneham, Wiltshire, has closed after its owners, sisters Amie and Claire, said they faced an untenable situation regarding the premises. The café, opened in May 2024, had been successful and attracted strong customer support, offering breakfasts, sandwiches, homemade treats and locally roasted coffee. The owners expressed gratitude to customers and hinted that they may pursue a future business venture, although any future operation at the premises will not involve them.

Sixteen-year-old Abbie Lainton from Swindon died in an accident while on holiday in the Dominican Republic on July 30. Her family established a GoFundMe fundraiser, which quickly received more than £4,000, while Tanwood School for Performing Arts and Swindon Lightning Cheerleading Club issued tributes praising her infectious smile, kindness, dancing and cheerleading talent. Two family members, Carley and Bradley, were also badly injured, and the community gathered to remember Abbie and support her loved ones.

Firefighters responded to a blaze on New Road in Chiseldon, south of junction 15 of the M4, where two homes, a shed, trees and an electricity pole were alight. Six pumping appliances, an aerial ladder platform and a support vehicle were deployed. The fire was extinguished after more than two hours, one person was treated by paramedics, and an investigation into the cause was launched.

A man was arrested after reports that he threatened people with a knife in Swindon town centre. Wiltshire Police used CCTV to trace a bicycle allegedly used by the suspect to an address in the town, where officers entered and made the arrest. Police had not yet confirmed the suspect’s identity or the specific offence.

A 35-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering Jimmy Ward, who died after being shot at a traveller site in Calcutt near Swindon. Three other men and two older suspects have also been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender or possessing a firearm, bringing the total number of arrests to five. Police have maintained a cordon and increased their presence at the site while the Major Crime Investigation Team continues its inquiries. Ward, who left behind a wife and children, has been remembered by tributes as a gentleman and a lovely legend.

Restoration of the Wilts & Berks Canal has reached a major milestone with work beginning to connect the Bottom Lock at Pewsham Locks to a restored stretch leading toward Lacock. The project will rebuild two further locks and eventually reopen around 70 miles of canal and towpath, connecting the Kennet & Avon Canal with the Thames & Severn Canal and the River Thames. Volunteers and partner restoration groups are supporting the work, while the trust is seeking additional fundraising and volunteers. An open day with guided tours and a pop-up café is scheduled for August 8.

Two air ambulances, a land ambulance and an operations officer responded to a crash at Castle Combe Circuit in Wiltshire, where one person was transported to Southmead Hospital. Emergency services confirmed they were called shortly after midday, and the severity of injuries has not yet been disclosed. Wiltshire Police has been approached for comment.

A former Wiltshire Police officer, Daniel Rusling, was barred from policing after admitting to assaulting a 13‑year‑old boy outside a Chippenham police station. A misconduct hearing found his behaviour, captured on body‑worn video, involved swearing, aggression and repeated pushing, severely undermining public trust. Rusling received an eight‑week suspended sentence and 150 hours of unpaid work, with officials stating his conduct would have warranted dismissal had he not already resigned.

Recycling and garden waste collections in Swindon were delayed due to staff sickness linked to a heatwave and a shortage of qualified HGV drivers. Swindon Borough Council prioritised food and general waste while working to clear the backlog, deploying supervisory staff and planning additional rounds, with urban areas to be prioritised. Residents were advised to leave uncollected bins out until crews return.

A Trowbridge man, Jason Prior, received a 23‑week prison sentence after being found guilty of assaulting a woman in the town centre, along with a concurrent sentence for cannabis possession. A restraining order was issued to prevent further contact with the victim. Wiltshire Police praised the victim’s cooperation and highlighted Clare’s Law as a resource for those concerned about potential domestic abuse risks.

A motorhome near The Trout Inn in Lechlade caught fire and exploded, sending thick smoke into the air. Eyewitness Brian Gully captured the blaze, and multiple fire crews from Fairford and Cirencester extinguished the fire by late afternoon. The landlady of the nearby pub expressed appreciation for the rapid emergency response.

Police closed Queens Drive in Swindon after detaining a man during an evening incident involving multiple vehicles from Wiltshire Police. The northbound side of the road was briefly shut before reopening once officers left the scene. A witness reported the man being taken away in a police van accompanied by two cars, and authorities have been contacted for further information.

A burst eight‑inch water pipe forced Thames Water to close the B4019 between Blunsdon and Highworth, with repairs expected to last until July 16. Swindon Borough Council advised drivers to avoid the area and use alternative routes, noting that the A361 will likely experience heavier traffic. Work to fix the damage is ongoing.

A lorry fire on the A419 near Swindon forced the closure of the northbound carriageway as emergency services worked for hours to control the blaze and manage a complex recovery involving electrical materials. Inspections are underway to assess potential road damage, and National Highways has stated that the route will remain closed with no reopening time confirmed. Fire crews and police coordinated the response while trapped traffic within the closure zone was released.

Police are investigating the theft of a bicycle from a driveway on Norman Road in Gorse Hill, Swindon, and have released an image of a hooded man they wish to identify. Officers believe the individual may assist with enquiries and are urging anyone with information to contact PC Follett at Wiltshire Police.

Four pedestrians were injured when a Suzuki Baleno mounted the pavement near Tadpole Farm Primary Academy in Swindon, leaving one woman in her 30s with serious injuries and three others with minor injuries. Both the seriously injured pedestrian and the driver, also a woman in her 30s, were taken to hospital. Wiltshire Police are investigating and have made no arrests. The school expressed gratitude to emergency services, and a petition has been launched calling for improved road safety measures, particularly additional pedestrian crossings in the area.

Two people were arrested following extensive damage to multiple vehicles in Pewsey, where losses totaled around £60,000. Wiltshire Police conducted a detailed investigation including CCTV reviews, public appeals and community engagement. Sergeant Deb Laycock confirmed the arrests and encouraged continued reporting of anti‑social behaviour to help identify offenders and support policing efforts.

Wiltshire Police conducted a two‑day enforcement operation on the M4 under Operation LOCKSTREAM, resulting in multiple arrests, vehicle seizures, and fines for offences including immigration violations, theft, disqualified driving, overweight vehicles, lack of tax, no MOT, and no insurance. Officers focused on improving road safety and reducing risks for motorists.

Police are seeking help to identify a man and woman seen riding a bike through Diamond Jubilee Park and Lady Lane in Redhouse, Swindon, around 1pm on June 28. Wiltshire Police have not specified the offence under investigation and are asking the public to contact PCSO Jackson or Crimestoppers with information.