Swindon Borough Councillors say they are monitoring the situation and has reminded residents to stay hydrated, avoid the hottest parts of the day and check on vulnerable neighbours.
Councillor Vinay Manro, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, said while many people welcome the summer sunshine, extreme heat can pose serious health risks.
“Temperatures approaching 40 are obviously not the norm in Swindon or in the UK. These are temperatures that are rarely seen,” he said.
“That said, it’s delightful that we have a nice summer and some warm weather and some sunshine, which has its own health benefits, but we need to be conscious of the impact heat can have on people.
“We don’t always realise the impact of heat and how it affects our bodies. We don’t want to see people suffering from heat stroke and being hospitalised or having to visit their GP when simple precautions can help them stay safe over the next few days.”
To help residents stay cool, the council is encouraging people to make use of Swindon’s network of Welcome Spaces, which were originally introduced during the Covid pandemic and later supported residents through the cost-of-living crisis.
The spaces, which include libraries, parish council offices and community venues across the borough, offer residents somewhere cool to rest, access drinking water and escape the heat during the hottest parts of the day.
Councillor Manro said:
“Swindon has a series of Welcome Spaces which are now open across the town. Central Library is one example, and I know my own parish council, Hayden Wick Parish Council, will be open later today and throughout the week between 11am and 3pm.
“They are spaces anybody can go to. There will be drinks available and people can sit in the shade in an air-conditioned environment and have a welcome rest and some much-needed fluids.
“We know there are some vulnerable residents who may not be able to stay cool even in their own homes, so these spaces are there to support them.”
Residents can find details of their nearest Welcome Space on the council and parish council websites.
Councillor Jake Chandler, Deputy Leader of the Council, described the situation as “business as usual” for the authority, although officers continue to monitor weather forecasts and guidance from the Met Office.
“The council is like a lot of organisations, reacting and adapting to the news we’re getting regarding the heatwave and the changing weather forecasts,” he said.
“We’re trying to keep our buildings cool where staff have to work, and of course we’re advising residents to take all the precautions necessary.”
The council is advising residents to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and hats when outdoors, and avoid prolonged periods in direct sunlight, particularly between 1pm and 4pm when temperatures are expected to peak.
Councillor Chandler added:
“Within the town and across Swindon we have various spaces that residents can go to, public buildings to cool down, like our libraries, local churches and even businesses such as pubs.
“It’s important to take time out of the day, go indoors, hydrate yourself and take a rest.”
The council said there are currently no plans to extend opening hours at facilities such as Coate Water Splash Park, although the situation continues to be monitored.
“Please go and enjoy Coate Water Splash Park and our open spaces around Swindon. Just take this amber weather warning seriously, stay hydrated, keep topped up with sun cream and make time to get out of the sun during the hottest parts of the day.”
