COUNCIL leaders have announced plans to develop a business case for the Thamesdown Drive extension, which will then be presented to the Department of Transport.

Locals have been demanding the £50 million relief road to the Barnfield Roundabout for more than 20 years as they say it will ease congestion in the area.

A recent report said that improving existing roads would be a more cost effective way but many still demanded the building of the road.

Now, the Cabinet Member for Transport Dale Heenan (Con, Covingham and Dorcan) has announced a task group involving the Liberal Democrats and local community organisations to look at plans.

It was initially thought developing a plan would cost £600,000 but the new plan would use existing staff so would not cost as much.

Coun Heenan said: "Today the Conservatives say yes to writing the outline business case for the £50m Thamesdown Drive to Great Western Way road, which will be submitted to the Department of Transport.

“Residents have had 20 years of promises by politicians to build this road, and been let down every time.

"We need new thinking, and by breaking this huge challenge into manageable pieces the Conservatives are sure we can get progress.

“We will also investigate what other improvements can be made to the roads around West and North Swindon to help reduce traffic congestion. But the Conservatives disagree with the consultants of the recent Feasibility Study because we do not believe that dualling Mead way or Akers way is the answer.”