COUNCIL leaders are looking at setting up a cross-party working group to decide on how best to move forward with the Thamesdown Drive extension.

However, the Labour Group has already rejected this proposal, saying a task group is not necessary and putting together plans for the £50m extension should be a priority.

For nearly 20 years, locals have campaigned for an extension leading to the Barnfield Roundabout to ease congestion but a report out last month said improving the existing roads, such as Akers Way and Mead Way, would be greater value for money.

The issue has been the cause of many political arguments in recent months so it was hoped the working group would bring together some consensus on the problem.

Councillor Dale Heenan (Con, Covingham and Dorcan), the cabinet member for Transport, said: "The Conservatives would like to maintain a cross political party consensus on the issue of the Thamesdown Drive to Great Western Way extension road.

“When the engineers report was published last month I said I wanted to see a cross party taskgroup setup. So to start 2015 on the right foot, the Conservatives have extended an olive branch to the Labour and the Liberal Democrat Councillors and invited them again to participate in that taskgroup to try to work together in tackling traffic issues related to the building of this new road.

“Residents have had 20 years of promises from politicians, and it is disappointing that within one hour of the invite being sent, a Labour Councillor immediately refused in writing to take part.”

Labour group leader Jim Grant (Lab, Rodbourne Cheney) has said there needs to be a plan ready so when government funds for the road become available Swindon is in a position to get started.

He said: ““We don’t feel a taskgroup is necessary in this case because all of the issues we’re all aware of. What we have requested is for the detailed design work for the road to be commissioned by the Council so we then have something proper to present to the government.

"The government have shown with the £540m project they’ve committed to in digging a tunnel under Stonehenge that there is money available for road schemes particularly when this road is only likely to cost £50m.

“In terms of the other road schemes proposed in the feasibility report, I wouldn’t personally be supportive of dualling Akers Way as it’s a residential road so to increase traffic flow along that road would be inappropriate.

"If it is possible to dual Mead Way [which is estimated to cost £15m] we’d be happy to support that but it can’t be an alternative to the extension road.”