HAYDON WICK parish council has said it still believes an extension road for Thamesdown Drive should be a priority for the council.

A report last month said that any extension would not deliver value for money and that widening existing roads, such as Mead Way and Akers Way, is the most cost effective way forward to solving traffic problems.

Council leaders have said they want to focus on a regeneration plan for the Cheney Manor Industrial Estate before pushing forward with any plan, but the parish council believes the extension must remain foremost in any plans.

A public meeting has been arranged for tomorrow night to discuss the issue and representatives of the parish and borough council will be there.

Former parish council leader Richard Hailstone, who fought for the road for more than 20 years, said: “This matter arose following the borough council’s scrutiny meeting held on December 15, when it became clear that borough councillors may be giving up their long standing commitment to build the link road.

“This meeting, with its attendant report, came as a complete surprise to people in Haydon Wick, Moredon, Rodbourne Cheney and West Swindon, who already suffer from the increased traffic generated by 10,000 houses built in the Northern Sector.

“This will only get worse, with additional homes built or to be built at Mouldon View, Ridgeway Farm and Tadpole Farm.”

While the parish council want the road to be built, there is an understanding that Cheney Manor must be improved.

Parish council leader John Stooke said: “I really hope there can be some sensible cross party agreement to come up with a plan to start serious work on this vital new arterial route under the railway as soon as possible, as well as improvements to the other roads as an interim measure.

“Swindon Council doesn’t need to pay for this road, but they do have to put together a well thought through and compelling business case, which is quite possible if everyone works together.

“And this must surely include revitalising Cheney Manor Trading Estate which is presently a disgrace to the town.”

The cabinet member for transport Coun Dale Heenan (Con, Covingham and Dorcan) will attend tomorrow’s meeting.

The MP for North Swindon, Justin Tomlinson, is unable to be there because of parliamentary commitments but says it is important a shovel-ready plan is put together.

He said: “We have worked hard to lobby the chancellor for investment in the town’s infrastructure and have secured £190m through the LEP.

“To secure any money it is vital to show there is an economic benefit for the town. It is now down to the council to put together a plan which will bring the economic benefit to Swindon.”

The meeting will take place at the Western Community Centre on Somerset Road at 7pm tomorrow.