WEST Swindon residents gathered this week to hear the latest update on the proposed link from Thamesdown Drive to Great Western Way.

The meeting, held by Thamesdown Drive Extension Campaign group (TDEX), gave 50 West Swindon residents the chance to be updated on the latest developments in the campaign for the Thamesdown bypass.

The event, at Peatmoor Primary School, in Pepperbox Hill, also included the results of a survey designed to gather residents’ opinions on the proposed bypass.

TDEX is a non-party political grouping of seven residents’ associations in the north and west of the town.

The survey, which featured responses from 393 people, was launched in late February to gather opinions on whether Thamesdown Drive should be extended to Great Western Way.

Chairman of Shaw Residents Association (SRA), Kevin Fisher, analysed the results and delivered the outcome.

Results showed that that 91 per cent of people surveyed wanted the road built within six years.

He said: “We want to eliminate further delays in delivering the Thamesdown Drive to Great Western Way Link Road.

“This shows that the majority of people see the need for a new bypass but the question is can the council deliver this in six years?”

The majority of residents surveyed wanted the road built at some point (93 per cent) with 51 per cent believing Swindon Borough Council’s actions so far are insufficient.

Mr Fisher said: “Building this link road is an important and major part of the solution to this problem, but other improvements are required to ensure we do not have chaos in the years to come. The research has shown that improvements to other modes of transport, such as the cycle network are needed.”

The SRA estimates between now and 2025, extra traffic will be generated by the 700 houses being built at Ridgeway Farm, development on Mead Way and more than 2,000 houses proposed for North Swindon.

Residents voiced concerns that many of the new residents will drive along Mead Way and use roads through existing housing areas to avoid congestion.

The link road proposal calls for an investment of up to £55 million, but as yet no decisions have been made as to whether it will go ahead.

Kevin said: “We want to make our case to Swindon Council that we need to go to central government, get the road built and avoid constant traffic jams.” from North to West Swindon. We need a bypass.”

Roger Ogle, from Haydon Wick Parish Council, said members of TDEX had plans to meet with a CMAG (Cabinet Members Action Group) to discuss new proposals and that estimated cost of designing the new road will be more than £600,000.

He made a last minute plea to the residents at the meeting, asking for ideas to enable them to move forward with their business case.

“Tell us ideas that we can put to the borough, this is very much a community initiative because the local councillors left to their own devices they won’t even consider this.

“The only reason they’re doing it is because people have taken the time to support us in our meetings. It’s a community and we are pleased that you are supporting so we need help guidance and advice from you.”