New bus route plans in Swindon opposed by locals

Plans to introduce a 2-way bus route through one of the oldest streets in Swindon, has been met with fierce opposition from local residents.

Transport operator Stagecoach and Swindon Council have been working jointly on the project which would see Ermin Street in Swindon turned into a 2-way street along which buses would travel. Currently the street is closed to through traffic, except for residents, and a one-way bus route is in operation.

Work to introduce the new system is due to get underway this spring, but the local residents are raising their voices to oppose the plans. They argue that the new bus route would spoil their neighbourhood, and the increase in traffic and the subsequent fumes could be damaging to the children who attend a school on the street.

Head of Highways at the council, Gwillam Lloyd, says the project intends to encourage more people to leave their cars at home, and instead use public transport. This would help alleviate congestion in Swindon and reduce CO2 emission in the area.

However angry locals spoke out at a public meeting recently, arguing that their wishes were being dismissed.

Stagecoach have revealed that a petition from their passengers who travel on the route which would be affected, showed that there is substantial support for the scheme.