THE Moonrakers roundabout could be removed to allow a bus corridor from the new housing developments at Tadpole Gardens to the town centre.

Swindon Borough Council has launched a public consultation on its proposals, which include removing the double mini-roundabout where Cricklade Road and Whitworth and Beechcroft Roads all meet and creating a light-controlled junction.

The road could be widened for a north-bound bus lane between Chestnut Avenue and the Moonrakers.

Coun Maureen Penny, the cabinet member for highways and the environment, said: “This proposal forms part of the programme of road improvement works taking place right across the borough. These works are vital to ensuring our highways network is maintained to a high standard.

“However, it is important to stress that nothing has been decided yet as we are keen for as many people as possible to let us know what they think.”

The initial response on the council’s Facebook page has been mixed.

Shelley Webb wrote: “It’s a great idea and will work. You have to go over the roundabout with your eyes shut as no one lets you out coming from Beechcroft Road, gotta be better than it is at the moment.”

But Pete Gaskin thought if it isn’t broken it should be left, because it worked.

One respondent, Jack Jones, reckoned there was a compromise, writing: “Don’t have bus lanes during rush hours up and down Cricklade Road. Only have them active from 9am to 3pm. For the volume of traffic in mornings and evenings all available lanes need using.”

Karen Weaver did not want traffic lights. She wrote: “No more traffic lights please! They cause more problems - just look at Greenbridge roundabout!”

One reader, Jeff Ramos, reckoned the answer was to encourage less congestion by encouraging less car use. He wrote: “Make public transportation cheaper and give incentives to car owners who are using the public transport provided.

Perhaps the most radical idea came from Angie Johns who suggested: “Put another magic roundabout there as well as at Coate Water.”

A public event will be held at Pinetrees Community Centre in Pinehurst tonight between 4.30pm and 6.30pm .

The consultation closes on December 10 and the plans can be seen at swindon.gov.uk/northswindonhighwayimprovements