Lower Compton replacement takes a step forward

Published Thursday 29 October 2026

A potential recycling-centre site, Saturday’s secondary-school deadline and Halloween outings for half-term.

Top Updates

Potential site found for Lower Compton’s replacement

Wiltshire Council has identified land on Marlborough Road in Royal Wootton Bassett for a recycling centre to replace Lower Compton and Purton. The target is autumn 2029, but the site still needs feasibility checks and approval. For now, the council promises both existing centres will stay open until the replacement is ready. Calne News reports that studies covering traffic, environmental impacts and costs are due to finish by March 2027.

Secondary-school applications close on Saturday

If your child is in Year 6, applications for a September 2027 secondary-school place must reach Wiltshire Council by midnight on Saturday 31 October. That includes both online and paper applications. Late applications without exceptional reasons are considered after on-time applications have been allocated. The Wiltshire admissions timetable published by Lavington School sets out the deadline and application requirements.

Dates For Your Diary

Saturday 14 November to Saturday 5 December

Christmas pop-up shop at Lacock

The National Trust's Manger Barn shop runs from 10.30am to 4pm on selected dates, with gifts and weekend meet-the-maker and tasting sessions. Check the Lacock events page for the individual dates.

Saturday 21 November

Calne's lantern parade and Christmas lights

The town's Christmas Festival returns from noon to 6pm, with entertainment, stalls and activities before the lantern parade and lights switch-on. See the Calne Town Council what's-on page for updates.

What's On

Thursday 29 October

Halloween Spooktacular at the Neeld, 2pm–4pm · from £15.75. Comedy, songs, magic, ultraviolet puppetry and audience participation combine in an all-ages castle adventure at the Neeld, Borough Parade, Chippenham. See the show details and booking route.

Friday 30 October

Under-fives Halloween party in Pewsham, 10am–11am · £9.50. Cars Galore brings sensory play, crafts and ride-on cars to Pewsham Community Centre; older siblings are welcome too. Check details and tickets.

Friday 30 October to Sunday 1 November

Solve the Halloween trail at REME Museum, 10am–4.30pm · included with admission. Find spooky characters around the galleries and solve the clues to discover who ate the sweets. The all-ages trail is included with normal museum admission at Lyneham. See the official event page.

Saturday 31 October

Autumn craft day in Chippenham, 1pm–2pm · free. Kingsley Road Community Hall hosts Halloween and autumn crafts plus face painting in a free all-ages session. See the event listing.

Two children's Halloween parties at the Ruze, 2.30pm–4pm and 4.30pm–6pm · £3. A pre-school session is followed by a primary-age party, both with fancy dress, games, music and dancing at 22 The Bridge, Chippenham. Check the pre-school details or the primary session.

Until Sunday 1 November

Half-term nature activities at Lacock, 10am–3.45pm · normal admission. Follow seasonal activities through the woodland, then try free crafts or settle into the book nook in the Botanic Bothy. Activities are included with admission and do not need booking. Plan a family visit.

Roadworks and Transport

Temporary lights at Chippenham's Park Lane junction: Five days of signal changes began on Monday at the Park Lane, New Road, Malmesbury Road, Langley Road and Foundry Lane junction. Temporary lights and pedestrian crossings are in place while a dedicated signal stage is added for traffic leaving Park Lane. Read the work details.

Planning Watch

Replacement home proposed at Bremhill Lodge: An application seeks to demolish the existing home at Bremhill Lodge, Turf House Lane, and build a replacement with access improvements and associated works. Wiltshire Council has not made a decision. View application PL/2026/06007.