RESIDENTS turned out in force to tell Swindon Council how they would solve the traffic nightmare south of Bath Road.

More than 100 people visited Commonweal School to suggest solutions to the problems that are blighting their everyday life.

The event was rated an overwhelming success by councillors and council officers alike.

The council printed 2,000 flyers asking residents south of Bath Road to the end of Okus Road about their biggest traffic concerns.

The results will be collated and presented for more comments in June before the council decides how to spend thousands of pounds of developers' money given to the borough as part of the former hospital and new industrial area developments.

Last night's drop-in session was a further chance for residents to tell council officers at first hand about the traffic and transport problems they face.

Coun Brian Mattock (Con, Old Town and Lawn) said the council would be looking at a number of issues raised by residents.

"It has been really good," he said. "I have been absolutely amazed by the response and this form of consultation is working well.

"This really is a blank canvas and we want to respond to what people say are the real traffic and transport problems in Old Town.

"The key message that has come out tonight is that there is a real problem with the Springfield Road/Croft Road junction.

"One of the possibilities we will be looking into is whether a roundabout at that location is a solution."

The survey asked residents to list the key traffic problems and issues they face in the area and how they would solve them.

The consultation will cost around £20,000 from the £100,000 expected from the Section 106 development agreement.

Gerry Hannon, 56, of Goddard Avenue, said the junction of Kingshill and Okus needed to be looked at. He also suggested a 20mph traffic-calming zone at the Springfield Road and Croft Road junction.

Kim Lee, 47, of Goddard Avenue, said: "I would like to see a 20mph speed limit, especially in Goddard Avenue because there is only single lane parking and I have had to step out on to the road and wave traffic to stop so I can cross the road with my son."

But Belmont Crescent resident Roger Morcumb said the traffic problems would not occur if developers were not granted permission to build blocks of flats.

"When this is fully developed there will be 900 homes. I shudder to think what the traffic will be like down Okus Road," he said.

Another drop-in consultation session will be held at Lethbridge Primary School between 10am and 12.30pm tomorrow.