Page 13 - link magazine

Link survey gives a voice to the people

Nearly 400 readers took the op- is bad now it is going to get a lot
portunity to express their views worse. From an earlier SRA survey
about the chronic traffic congestion we believe most of the through
in West Swindon and the increase traffic on Mead Way is going or
predicted for the future. coming from the M4. Extending
The TDeX campaign wants Thamesdown Drive cannot be seen
Swindon Council to make a better in isolation, improvements to Great
case to Government that a link Western Way will be required to aid
road between Thamesdown Drive traffic flow.”
and Great Western Way needs to TDeX representatives are involved
be funded and built as soon as with a Swindon Council cabinet
possible. This includes a spur road A light traffic day members action committee to find
to improve access to Cheney Manor on Mead Way a way forward. After the Peatmoor
Industrial Estate. meeting on 14 April, Swindon
Until now, nobody has given ordi- cabinet member for infrastructure
nary people a say about what they within 6 years, (although a 10 year during morning rush hour on four Cllr Dale Heenan told Link that he
think should be done. Sponsored timescale is a more likely reality). or five mornings a week; 51 per expected to present the committee
by Link magazine, the survey was • 46 per cent of people say manage cent in the afternoon. with a first draft of a business plan
compiled by Kevin Fisher of Shaw the environmental impact, but build • 10 people expressed objections to make the case to Government for
Residents’ Association (SRA) who the road and another 37 per cent to the link road being built stating financial investment in the road by
analysed 393 responses submitted say the wider benefits outweigh any it will impact the environment and the end of April.
online and via the paper survey concerns. encourage more car use, leading to Read the full survey report at:
forms printed in the March Link. • There is no majority view on what more congestion on Great Western www.shawresidents.org.uk
The results are: should be done with Mead Way, Way and at Bruce Street Bridges.
• The overwhelming majority, 93 though 45 per cent say it should Rather than build a new road there Neighbourhood
per cent want it built now. be converted to dual carriageway should be more money spent on improvements
• 87 per cent say the construction (Swindon Council has ruled this public transport and cycle road In the meantime, two litter picking
of the road is very or extremely option out). There is limited support improvements. events to get involved with:
important. for filter lanes at roundabouts and At the TDeX meeting Kevin said: Saturday 16 May, 10am, starting
• 51 per cent say the efforts to sat- traffic lights at some of them. “It’s essential for Swindon Council at Toothill Community Centre;
isfy this so far by Swindon Council • There was no consensus regard- to make the case to the Govern- Saturday 23 May, 10.30am, start
are insufficient. ing changes to Akers Way. ment for the investment. at Shaw Village Inn.
• 91 per cent want the road built • 52 per cent of respondents drive “If you believe the congestion

swindonlink.com n May 2015 13