Jason Hughes

Prosecutors told Bristol Crown Court that a 16-year-old defendant deliberately brought a knife to a confrontation with 16-year-old Shayne Hambakachere in Chippenham, rather than acting in self-defence. The jury heard that the defendant allegedly filmed the fatal stabbing, concealed the knife, and appeared to smile in videos made beforehand. Shayne died from a single stab wound on January 31. The defendant denies murder, and the trial is continuing.

Wiltshire Council will increase pay-and-display parking charges by an average of 20% from September 1, with season tickets and permits also rising. The changes follow a public consultation that attracted 1,762 responses and include amendments such as retaining current Sunday charging hours, limiting Sunday tariff alignment to short-stay car parks, and introducing weekend charges at selected council-owned sites. The council says the increases are needed because charges have been frozen since 2022 while inflation has risen by about 28%, with additional revenue intended to support transport infrastructure, highways services and the rural bus network.

Yilmaz Kebabs in Chippenham has received the highest possible food hygiene rating of five after inspectors rated its food handling, facilities and food-safety management highly. The business, owned by Turan Yilmaz, relocated from Bumpers Farm Roundabout to The Pack Horse pub car park because of A350 roadworks, and secured retrospective planning permission to remain there after strong community support. Customers praised its cleanliness, food and service, while residents remain divided over whether it should stay on London Road or return to its former location once the roadworks are complete.

Wiltshire Council will make the reopening of Calne High Street to vehicles permanent after an 18-month trial. The one-way southbound arrangement was associated with reduced traffic on Wood Street and significantly improved journey times on key town-centre roads, without substantial displacement onto the wider network. Permanent restrictions will include a 3.5-tonne weight limit and a 9.9-metre vehicle-length limit between Wood Street and Curzon Street. Of 73 consultation responses, 40 supported the proposals and 11 objected. The council will work with Calne Town Council to replace barriers with more suitable street furniture and address pedestrian crossing concerns.

The Kennet and Avon Canal has been ranked sixth among England’s 10 best destinations for a first-time boat trip. The BoatBooker ranking considered summer weather, visitor feedback, boat-hire availability and beginner-friendly experiences. BoatBooker founder Vukan Simic said the canal offers an accessible alternative to coastal boating, while advising newcomers to check the level of instruction, the presence of locks and who will operate the boat before setting out.

Athena Cauley Yu, founder of Bath-based luxury stationery and calligraphy business Meticulous Ink, will compete as a newcomer on the BBC sand-sculpting competition Race Against the Tide. Paired with professional sculptor Rachel Stubbs, she will create sculptures on West Sands Beach in St Andrews while racing the incoming tide. The six-part show, hosted by Iain Stirling and judged by Sadie Clayton and Jamie Wardley, launches on BBC Two on August 18, with episodes available on BBC iPlayer from August 17. Yu is also preparing to open Meticulous Ink’s new headquarters in Chippenham following the closure of the business’s Bath premises, while retaining a smaller Bath retail location.

A 16-year-old defendant on trial at Bristol Crown Court for murdering 16-year-old Shayne Hambakachere in Chippenham testified that he “blacked out” during the stabbing. He said Shayne had threatened to fight him outside his home and that he armed himself with a knife out of fear, believing Shayne was about to attack him. The defendant claimed he intended only to scare Shayne, later discarded the knife and deleted a video of the incident. Police found no weapon among Shayne's belongings, and the defendant denies murder.

A woman in her 40s was found dead in the River Avon near Lacock Abbey in Lacock, Wiltshire, after emergency services were called shortly after 11 p.m. Police are treating the death as unexplained while enquiries continue.

Construction has begun to convert the former Tesco unit at Emery Gate shopping centre in Chippenham into Padel Chippenham, a leisure venue expected to open in September. It will feature four indoor padel courts, changing facilities, refreshments, equipment hire and a MultiBall interactive sports wall. The temporary use is intended to keep the centre active while Acorn Property Group progresses a £50 million redevelopment plan that could include 225 homes.

Renovation work has begun at Chippenham Railway Station to address deterioration in its roof and platform canopies. The project includes replacing canopies, upgrading drainage and resurfacing platforms, with work expected to continue until May 2027. Eighty-two long-stay parking spaces are temporarily unavailable, while train services will generally continue as normal apart from a planned weekend closure for scaffolding installation. Network Rail says the improvements will preserve the Grade II listed station and create a better environment for passengers.

Multiple Wessex Water projects in Bradford on Avon, including repairs to a leak on the A363 Frome Road and sewer-network upgrades near Town Bridge, caused major queues and delays on August 10 and 11. One driver reported taking 38 minutes to reach the town and questioned why utility companies did not coordinate their work. Earlier roadworks near the train station have finished, but Wiltshire Council works near The Castle Inn on Bath Road are scheduled to introduce temporary traffic lights on August 21, raising concerns about further congestion.

Former Olympic swimmer and Wiltshire resident Baroness Sharron Davies denies driving at 65–67mph in a temporary 50mph zone on the M4 near junction 19 in South Gloucestershire. She says unclear signage caused her to miss the reduced limit, while prosecutors maintain the signs were adequate. Davies has opted for trial, with a case management hearing scheduled for October 21 and the trial expected next year.

Junction 17 of the M4 at Chippenham is scheduled to undergo overnight rolling lane closures from 8pm to 6am between August 20 and August 27 for local authority survey work. Additional closures between junctions 17 and 18 will support National Highways drainage and gantry upgrades, while ongoing A350 bypass works and planned closures on the A4 between Chippenham and Calne are expected to increase disruption in the area.

Rob Boughey, the 41-year-old founder and director of Swindon haulage firm Boughey Ltd, died at the scene after an Audi RS3 left the B4040 between Charlton and Minety and struck a tree. Colleagues, friends and local readers paid tribute to him as a generous, funny and highly respected figure who made a significant contribution to the haulage industry. A passenger in his 50s suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital. The Serious Collision Investigation Team is investigating and has appealed for witnesses.

Wiltshire Council will introduce an 18-month School Streets pilot at four primary schools in Melksham, Calne, Warminster and Chippenham from September 4. Traffic restrictions during school arrival and departure times will be enforced by automatic number plate recognition cameras, with exemptions for residents, businesses, emergency services, school transport and people with qualifying needs. Feedback gathered through the pilot will inform a decision on whether to make the restrictions permanent; two additional schools were excluded after local concerns.

A 60-foot animatronic figure known as Om has been spotted among the trees in Compton Bassett, Wiltshire, startling local residents. The robot is believed to be the centerpiece of Take That's £15 million 2011 Progress Live stage set and may have been acquired by Robbie Williams, who previously owned a nearby mansion. Locals say the figure had been present for years but only recently attracted widespread attention because of its unusual and unsettling appearance.

Wine Monkey in Chippenham has launched The Pantry, a daytime venue offering speciality coffee, gourmet food, pastries and brownies alongside its existing wine bar, bottle shop and neighbouring River Kitchen. The Pantry replaces Coffee Gems, whose popularity demonstrated demand for a daytime café offer. Owner Bryan Houde said the venue will showcase products from independent local businesses, including Fire & Flow Coffee, Pano Bakehouse and The Gourmet Brownie Kitchen. Wine Monkey has also introduced a digital loyalty card offering a free ninth coffee after eight purchases.

Devizes Town Council is developing a programme to upgrade The Shambles indoor market in the historic town centre. Proposed works include maintenance, drainage, redecoration, improved heating, heritage signage, decisions on traders’ toilets, external door repairs, an information point and potentially solar panels. Officers are obtaining quotes, commissioning surveys and assessing technical, financial, heritage and operational considerations. A progress report is due to the Town Centre & the Local Economy Committee on August 11, with a full proposal expected in the autumn. Public consultation is planned, and councillors want the works to minimise disruption to traders and avoid November and December.

Repair work is progressing on the Grade II* listed Lansdowne Monument near Cherhill after more than a decade behind safety hoardings and netting. Scaffolding and fencing are currently in place while the National Trust carries out a multi-year restoration project; no date has been set for permanently removing the hoardings. Repairs completed in 2024 and 2025 are being evaluated, and planning permission allows the safety measures to remain for another three years.

Bowden Hill House, a Grade II-listed 19th-century manor near Lacock in Wiltshire, is being offered for more than £1.5 million. The 13,258-square-foot property sits on 34 acres and includes reception rooms, bedrooms, offices, a separate flat, outbuildings, stables and former gardens. Although the house and additional buildings require extensive renovation, Carter Jonas says they could be restored into a stately country residence. The property’s location near Lacock, a National Trust-managed village and filming location for the Harry Potter movies, adds to its historical and cultural appeal.

Drivers in Chippenham have been warned to expect delays on The Causeway near the Market Place car park while Wessex Water installs a new connection. Temporary traffic lights will operate during the project, scheduled from August 5 to August 21. The work follows a £2 million Wessex Water upgrade involving a 10-metre-deep storage tank intended to increase sewer capacity and reduce the risk of flooding and discharges during heavy rainfall. Earlier works caused significant local disruption and diverted traffic onto roads including Wood Lane.

Chippenham Town Council has submitted plans to Wiltshire Council to improve the area around the Grade I listed Yelde Hall and the rear of The Shambles. The proposal includes new planting, street furniture, bike stands, benches, lighting, renovation of building exteriors and York stone paving, with a later phase intended to resurface the wider area. The council says the work would replace a cluttered and visually bleak space with a greener, more coherent public area while preserving the historic setting. The project is supported by £50,000 from Wiltshire Council’s Wiltshire Towns Programme, allocated over two years; an alternative, more limited repaving scheme was not pursued.

Business owners, residents and Chippenham councillors say a five-way junction near Hathaway Retail Park is confusing and unsafe, citing collisions, near misses and vehicles cutting across traffic. Chippenham Town Council agreed to pursue changes investigated by Wiltshire Council, including moving the pedestrian crossing stage from Park Lane to New Road and extending the traffic-light cycle from 90 to 120 seconds. The changes are intended to provide a separate green signal for vehicles turning from Park Lane into Foundry Lane and improve safety, clarity and traffic flow.

Actor Nigel Havers, who lives near Marlborough, has shared his favourite Wiltshire walk along the Kennet and Avon Canal and through nearby woodland. He also recommends Tray’s cafe in Hungerford and describes the antics of his poodle Charley, who has appeared with him on television and on stage. Havers’s UK tour, Nigel Havers Talking B*ll*cks, is scheduled to visit Swindon in October.

Chivers Stove Centre has closed its showroom on Estcourt Street in Devizes after trading there since 2011. The business will continue to offer stove servicing by email, while customers thanked the owners and gave them cards and gifts during the shop’s final day.

The Sainsbury’s Local car park on Station Hill in Chippenham has fully reopened after repairs to a crash-damaged wall. Drivers are warned that only nine spaces directly outside the store offer 45 minutes of free parking; the remaining spaces are operated by Napier Parking Ltd, require payment, and are monitored by ANPR cameras. Several shoppers received £100 fines after parking in the wrong section. Sainsbury’s says it does not control the wider car park, while Napier maintains that its existing signage is sufficiently clear and has no plans to add more.

Scholars is expected to open a new school-uniform shop on Sidmouth Street in Devizes, with signage indicating an opening on September 28. The retailer already operates a Devizes branch and supplies uniforms to secondary and primary schools across the town and surrounding villages. The new store occupies a former Libelula clothing shop that had been vacant and on the market.

The Calne Bike Meet is scheduled to return to Calne, Wiltshire, on Saturday, July 25, 2026, with organizers aiming for its largest event yet. The free gathering will feature live music, more than 70 traders and stalls, food and drink hubs, and a 5pm motorcycle ride-out expected to attract hundreds of riders. Wiltshire Council will close sections of the High Street and Church Street from 8am to 6pm, while organizers are seeking additional volunteers to help run the event safely.

White Chalk Gallery has closed its premises at Old Swan Yard in Devizes after nearly five years of trading. The gallery plans to continue operating nearby and open a new branch at 2 High Street in Marlborough from August 11, describing the relocation as the next stage of its business adventure.

Wiltshire magistrates dealt with five cases involving theft, offensive weapons, drink driving, racially aggravated harassment, assaulting a police officer and a dangerously out-of-control dog. Connor Henley received a suspended prison sentence for theft and possessing a knuckle duster. Paul Hopper received a community order, driving ban and unpaid-work requirement for drink driving and driving without a licence. Sian Eggers and Gemma Sankey were fined for weapons possession and racially aggravated harassment-related offences. Jamie Wolleter was banned from owning dogs for five years and ordered to pay compensation after his Cane Corso cross injured a man; the dog was ordered to be destroyed, subject to appeal.

Construction of the 200‑home Lock Keeper Gardens project in Devizes has reached a key milestone with the completion of initial homes and the planned launch of Bellway’s Scrivener showhome. The development, approved on appeal after initial rejection by Wiltshire Council, has drawn local criticism over traffic concerns. Bellway says it will contribute over £3.5 million toward infrastructure, including upgrades to pedestrian and cycle routes, education, highways and sports facilities. Of the planned homes, 140 will be sold privately and 60 designated as affordable.

Armed officers executed a drugs warrant at a property in Hungerford near the Wiltshire border, breaking down the door and detaining several individuals. Police reported evidence of drug supply and plan to seek a court-ordered closure of the property following intelligence about drug dealing and antisocial behaviour.

Six Swindon men received prison sentences totalling 49 years for carrying out burglaries across southern England and kidnapping a 71‑year‑old man in Torquay after targeting victims through social media. The group restrained the victim and attempted to transport him in his own electric car before abandoning it when its battery ran low, allowing him to escape. Police investigations linked the offenders to other burglaries, leading to searches that uncovered stolen goods and equipment used in the crimes. Authorities highlighted the risks of sharing identifiable information on social media.

Police conducting speed checks on the A4 in Box recorded seven speeding drivers in 30 minutes, including one travelling at 52mph in a 30mph zone. Six will be offered a Speed Awareness Course, while one may face a court summons. Officers are also reviewing vehicle records, insurance, MOT compliance, and video footage for additional offences such as mobile phone use and seatbelt violations.

Changes to lane assignments at the Pheasant Roundabout in Chippenham have led to driver confusion and near misses, prompting a resident to request urgent action from Wiltshire Council. The new layout requires through‑traffic on the A4 to use the right-hand lane, but a lack of signage has caused drivers to enter incorrect lanes. The request, which asks for clearer signs or a reversal of the changes, will be considered by Chippenham Town Council before potential referral to the Local Highways and Footways Improvement Group. Recent upgrades to the roundabout, partly carried out by a nearby housing development, have already caused prolonged disruption.

A vegan market run by Kordia Events is set to return to Chippenham High Street on October 11, featuring 15 to 20 plant‑based food, drink and craft traders with free entry. Organizers Olivia Teanby and Henry Hampshire cite strong attendance in 2025 and growing demand for independent, allergy‑friendly and plant‑based options. The event aims to support small traders and provide an inclusive space for visitors with dietary requirements.

Three Wiltshire care homes in Chippenham, Corsham and Amesbury were permanently closed after Wiltshire Council determined that the ageing buildings required substantial investment. All 104 residents have since been relocated with support to minimise disruption and maintain community ties. The buildings remain secured while the council considers future uses, with consultations planned before any decisions are made. Staff from the homes were offered opportunities to continue in other services.

Wiltshire Council is examining ways to reduce congestion and heavy goods vehicle traffic on the A346 through Marlborough, following a study that warned of severe future gridlock. The council is considering de-priming the road to allow tighter traffic restrictions and is working with National Highways on regional transport solutions. A joint study with Marlborough Town Council found that local highway changes would not alleviate congestion and could worsen journey times, highlighting the need for broader countywide planning.

Residents have requested that Chippenham Town Council reduce the speed limit on Hungerford Road, which borders John Coles Park, to 20mph or install additional safety signage. Concerns focus on delivery drivers speeding and the safety risks posed to children and families, including those accessing nearby schools. The council’s planning committee will review the proposal on July 16.

Plans have been submitted to install 396 solar panels on the roof of the Sainsbury’s store in Chippenham, a project expected to reduce annual CO2 emissions by more than 33 tonnes. Planning documents state the panels will be positioned to minimise visual impact, avoid glare and preserve the building’s appearance within the commercial area. Similar proposals have been made for other local supermarkets, and Wiltshire Council is due to decide on the application by late July.

A five‑way junction near Hathaway Retail Park in Chippenham is set for changes after years of crashes and confusion, with Wiltshire Council reviewing five redesign options. A report recommends splitting Park Lane and adjusting signal cycles to eliminate conflicting movements and improve safety, though the changes would increase congestion during peak hours. Additional alternatives include revised pedestrian phases and lane signal adjustments. Chippenham Town Council will review the proposals ahead of Wiltshire Council’s final decision.

Several Wiltshire towns failed to make the 15‑town shortlist for the inaugural UK Town of Culture 2028 competition despite submitting bids earlier in the year. The final list includes small, medium and large towns across the UK, each set to receive £60,000 to develop full proposals. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and panel chair Sir Phil Redmond praised the volume of applications and highlighted the benefits of participation. The winning town will receive a £3 million government grant next year.

Wiltshire Council’s refusal of a second dropped kerb at a Chippenham property has been appealed by homeowner Greg McKay. The council and Chippenham Town Council objected on safety grounds and the potential loss of an on-street parking space, while several residents supported the rejection. McKay’s submission argues that the proposal would not increase traffic or safety risks and would improve vehicle manoeuvring. A Planning Inspector will review written representations, with a decision expected within eight to fourteen weeks. The town council also raised concerns about previously installed fencing, which appeal documents indicate has since been resolved.

Work continues inside the former Fox in the House store in Devizes as plans to convert it into an off‑licence and general store await a long‑delayed planning decision. The proposed Wiltshire Express rebrand remains undecided eight months after submission, with no updated target date and no new documents since February. Scaffolding has been removed and interior work is progressing, but it is unclear whether the store will open before approval is granted. The applicant had previously agreed to an extension with Wiltshire Council, which expired in April without further action.

A long‑running Devizes shop, Mainlys of Devizes, has closed following the owners’ retirement after more than a decade in business. The premises have been cleared, the signage removed and the unit placed on the market for rent through Stibbard Property. Owners Colin and Clare Henrich thanked customers and staff, calling the closure an emotional moment and expressing gratitude for community support.

Residents of Culvermead Close in Marlborough are seeking a dropped kerb and a residents-only parking scheme to stop shoppers and workers from blocking access to their homes. Claire White submitted a highways improvement request citing safety and access issues for elderly residents and a lack of available parking for locals. The proposal will be reviewed by the Marlborough Town Council planning committee before potentially being passed to the Local Highways and Footways Improvement Group for further action.

Kingsbury Green Academy in Calne shifted its Year 10 parents’ evening online due to an amber heat alert forecasting temperatures above 30°C across Wiltshire. The school said existing appointments would automatically move to the virtual system and provided guidance for families needing support or preferring in‑person discussions. High temperatures are expected to continue through July 12 under the UK Health Security Agency’s warning.

Multiple defendants across Wiltshire towns were sentenced for offences including theft, assaulting police officers, drug possession, drink driving, and robbery. Penalties ranged from fines and compensation orders to driving bans, community orders, and custodial sentences. A group of teenagers received Youth Referral Orders for a robbery and assault in Corsham.

Wiltshire Council has approved plans for Wadworth brewery to convert the long-closed Crown pub in Devizes into a sign shop and studio, prompting ongoing renovation work at the site. The pub, which struggled to attract tenants and closed in early 2024, will be repurposed for signage production with potential for guided tours. Authorities and the brewery argue the project will revitalise the area and provide a viable new use for the historic building, while maintaining the option for future reversion to a pub.

A building in Devizes Market Place that houses the Condado Lounge bar and café plus three residential flats has been listed for sale with offers invited over £950,000. The sale concerns the freehold only and does not affect Condado Lounge’s long-term lease. Estate agent Carter Jonas describes the listing as an investment opportunity expected to generate £82,300 in annual rent. The property occupies a prime retail location alongside major high-street businesses.

Parts of Savernake Forest will temporarily close during several weeks of tree‑thinning work undertaken by Forestry England to improve woodland health and ensure public safety. Ash trees affected by chalara ash dieback will be removed in high‑traffic areas, and access will be restricted around work sites. Ecological surveys will precede felling, and hand removal will be used where needed to protect wildlife. Forestry England advises visitors to follow safety signs due to the hazardous nature of forestry operations.

Corsham is among several Wiltshire towns competing for the UK Town of Culture 2028 title, with its bid highlighting local creativity, heritage and community spirit through a promotional postcard featuring a sculpture from a local art project. The bid was developed by the town council in partnership with arts groups, educational institutions and local businesses, incorporating resident feedback. The winner will receive £3 million to deliver a cultural programme, with two runners‑up receiving £250,000 each.

The M4 eastbound will close overnight between junctions 17 and 16 from 10pm on July 13 to 7am the next morning, with traffic diverted via the A429 and A419. National Highways will carry out electrical work during the closure, adding to a series of recent and upcoming roadworks around Chippenham, including earlier horticulture work at junction 17 and lane closures on the A350 scheduled for September.

Devizes has submitted a bid to become the UK’s first Town of Culture in 2028, sharing a digital postcard with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to outline its cultural identity. The competition, launched by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, will award £3 million to the winning town and £250,000 to each runner‑up. An expert panel led by Sir Phil Redmond will evaluate entries based on storytelling, community engagement, and cultural programming, with the initiative aimed at recognizing towns that contribute significantly to national cultural life.

A man was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 26 years for the planned and brutal 2024 murder of Raymond Groves in Easterton. Two accomplices, Raymond’s former partner Helen Shakespeare and her daughter Letishia Goodwin, were also convicted for their roles in luring him to the scene. Police investigators detailed extensive planning by the trio, supported by phone evidence and conflicting accounts that required a lengthy investigation and trial. Detectives commended the investigative team and expressed sympathy for the victim’s family.

A fatal head‑on crash on the B4696 claimed the life of Barbara Mullaney, the long‑time owner of Cricklade’s Animal Fayre pet shop. Local businesses and residents offered emotional tributes, describing her as kind, supportive and central to the community. Her granddaughter announced the shop would remain open temporarily in her honour. Wiltshire Police arrested a 43‑year‑old man in connection with the collision and continue to seek witnesses and dash‑cam footage.

Police carried out coordinated raids across Wiltshire during Operation Scorpion, resulting in 36 arrests and multiple drug seizures. Officers executed warrants, conducted stop-and-search operations, and recovered significant quantities of illegal drugs, cash, and weapons. The operation also targeted drug activity in pubs, clubs, and other nighttime venues, leading to one conviction and multiple charges.

A crash partially blocked the A4 at Quemerford near Calne, causing delays in both directions between Stockley Lane and the Bishops Cannings turn-off. The AA and INRIX reported slow-moving traffic following the early-morning incident, with conditions later improving but some delays still noted.