Unauthorised clothing banks found at the Haydon Centre in North Swindon

Two clothing and footwear banks that had been placed without permission were found at the Haydon Centre in North Swindon, Swindon24 reported on 21 March 2026. They stood next to the site's legitimate donation points.

GLL, which operates the site, confirmed the extra banks had not been authorised.

The bins carried no charity name or branding, no registration number and no contact details. One had been put in front of a fire exit, which the report described as a potential safety risk.

Councillor Leigh Jackson issued the warning. The councillor was reported as saying it was disappointing to see attempts to divert donations from genuine causes.

Why did it matter?

The official recycling banks at sites across Wiltshire, including the Haydon Centre, support Wiltshire Air Ambulance. They raised nearly £75,000 over the previous year, according to the report.

Further suspected fake banks were identified at two other North Swindon locations, the Shield and Dagger and the Manor Farm pub, and growing numbers were reported elsewhere in the town.

What was being done?

The two units at the Haydon Centre were taped up and reported for removal, working with the centre's management. Known locations were being logged and passed to the relevant authorities.

Residents were advised to check a donation bank before using it. Legitimate charity banks clearly show registered charity details, contact information and official branding.

Source: Swindon24.