RESIDENTS needed their Sunday morning lie-in after contractors were allowed to work on the demolition of a bridge until 1am.

Lawson Group was captured on video destroying the bridge which connected Wyvern Theatre and Wyvern Car Park at 12.45am on Sunday, with other reports of work continuing until at least 2am.

Some of those who were disturbed called Coun Garry Perkins (Con, Haydon Wick), cabinet member for regeneration, later in the day.

“I was quite surprised to hear they were working that late at night. I am obviously very apologetic to anyone who was disturbed by the noise,” he said.

After attending Swindon Half Marathon, Coun Perkins went to the demolition site and asked the contractors why they had been working so late.

He found council officers had granted permission for the entire area to be cordoned off until 6am yesterday morning for the work to take place while members of the public were not around.

“They accepted they had gone on a bit later than planned. They did it to finish the job on Saturday night rather than disturb people again on Sunday night,” he said.

“I wasn’t aware this was going to happen, but I am told leaflets detailing the work were delivered to several hundred houses a little while ago.

“They warned them it would be late working over this particular weekend.

“I can understand people being upset and perturbed, but I understand it was necessary to get that work done at night because of the traffic situation.”

A spokesman for the council said: “All businesses nearby and the residents of flats in Princes Street, Regent Close and Regent Place were all told of the work by letter.

“It had to be done overnight on a Saturday because access to some of the businesses was blocked by the demolition equipment, and there would have been too many pedestrians wanting access to the area during the day.

“We are sorry if other residents were disturbed by the noise. The work went on longer into the evening than was planned because at one point there were a number of people watching the proceedings from the edge of the platform near the walkway.

“Work had to stop while they dispersed or were moved away. The concrete in places was also much harder than expected which meant more force was needed to break it up.

“No other overnight work is planned while the car park is demolished.”