WHARF Green's regeneration is under way.

But not everyone is happy with the work carried out by the building firm Dean and Dyball.

Sarsen stones made of sandstone, originally from Salisbury Plain and dating back centuries, were broken up and dumped by builders on the Swindon site.

Martha Parry of the New Mechanics' Trust believes they could have been put to good use elsewhere.

She said: "In trying to create new Swindon they are trashing old Swindon.

"I feel quite sad and disappointed this has happened. Apparently they were too heavy to move. They are a local material and they had tremendous presence. They could have been used in a car park or put in a park."

A bustling public space will be created at Wharf Green, which will include a 35sq metre TV screen.

The interactive facility will be the first of its kind in the south of England.

There will also be a climbing wall stretching the length of the Brunel West car park.

New Swindon Company chief executive Peter James said: "I think the big screen will be a real draw to that part of the town.

"It will show sporting events like the Olympic Games and the Proms.

"I'm sure it will be very successful. These are exciting times for Swindon.

"It has been a long process with all the planning stages but now work can start and this is just the beginning."

Andy McAdam, Dean and Dyball's regional director, said: "We are very pleased to be involved with this milestone redevelopment by the New Swindon Company and look forward to delivering the project successfully for the people of Swindon and the surrounding area."

Shoppers said the development would be a great addition to the town as part of its continued regeneration.

Martin Woodford, 44, from Highworth said: "I'm a big sports fan so I can't wait to watch some of the big events on screen.

"I'm glad to see Swindon is going in this direction. You see this sort of thing in the big places so why not in Swindon?

"We're a fast-growing town so it's good to see."

This sentiment was echoed by 66-year-old grandmother Margaret Peters from Park South.

"I think it's an excellent idea, and exactly what Swindon needs," she said.

"It will create a really good atmosphere here."

Wharf Green will also see new paving, landscaping and lighting as part of the redevelopment.

It will be the first of seven areas of Swindon to be regenerated under the New Swindon Company's £1bn project.

The whole area is expected to be completed by next spring.