We are putting the candidates on the spot on issues affecting the people of Swindon.

Our TRANSPORT questions are:

With thousands of homes expected to be built in the next five years, how will you ensure infrastructure is upgraded at the same pace to cope?

What will your party do to ensure there is a better flow of traffic between the North and South of the town?

The Great Western Line is one of the most expensive in the country. How will will you help commuters who are paying thousands each year just to get to work?

POPPY HEBDON-LEEDER

1. A plan which looks at all modes of transport, not just cars, would be a good start. Housing being pushed through by developers on appeal without due consideration for infrastructure means Swindon is now struggling on this issue and we need to start being proactive in planning for the future.

2. The flow of traffic should include pedestrians and cyclists, not just cars – so there needs to be better and safer crossing places, what we have at present is off-putting for most people late at night.

Personally, I’d love to see a really safe attractive-looking footbridge over the railway.

3. The Green Party would introduce an immediate 10% cut in public transport fares, paid for by reallocation of the £15bn major roads programme.

We are keen to see the railways brought back into public hands – money invested in the railways being used for that alone rather than boosting shareholder profits

MARK DEMPSEY

1. Under the Tories Swindon has become gridlocked. I want to get Swindon moving. Our plan includes action to build a modern transport system, shovel ready plans for key infrastructure projects; and Labour will devolve £30 billion of infrastructure investment so that we can build a better future for Swindon.

2. A Northern Link Road is a key part of our plan for Swindon.

Labour will commission a shovel ready plan for the road – as this is the only way we will secure the investment from national government and ensure the Northern Link Road is delivered.

It’s time for action.

3. I want fair fares for Swindon.

Commuters in Swindon pay the highest ticket prices in Europe and under the Tories prices have increased by a staggering 20%.

Labour will introduce a strict cap on fare increases and reform the railways to secure value for money for passengers and taxpayers.

JANET ELLARD

1. It is essential that Local Development Plans make provision for sewerage system improvement, new and expanded schools and adequate highway provision to cope with additional traffic.

A Community Infrastructure Levy can make sure that the developer contributes towards the cost of the new infrastructure.

2. The best solution would undoubtedly be the construction of a relief road from Thamesdown Drive to Great Western Way.

I would work with Swindon Borough Council and would aim to obtain the finances needed for this project by putting pressure on the relevant ministers in Westminster.

3. Some season ticket holders had to face increases of more than 20% during the last Parliament and this year, fares were up again by an average of 2.2%.

The Liberal Democrats would ensure that rail fares rise no faster than inflation over the next five years.

JUSTIN TOMLINSON

1. Working with Robert Buckland and Swindon Borough Council we have been able to secure a staggering £140m infrastructure funding, and £19m New Homes Bonus in the last five years, the most per head in the UK. As fellow local residents we will always champion our town.

2. I support the need for the Thamesdown Drive Extension.

Once Swindon Borough Council has agreed on the business case, preferred route and secured planning permission, I would continue to work hard to secure the £60m potential funding required as it would help existing residents and unlock future growth opportunities.

3. The Conservatives have rightly announced rail fares will be frozen in real-terms for 5 years.

investment in rail infrastructure is at its highest since Victorian times, including the £10bn electrification of the Great Western Main Line which will cut journey times to London by 12 minutes and significantly increase capacity.

JAMES FAULKNER

1. Infrastructure such as roads, shops, schools needs to be put in place first (by the council) before the rest of the housing development starts, so that the council doesn’t have to fix issues after the developer has completed the properties. The developer would have to pay in advance for the infrastructure.

2. I would push for an extension to Thamesdown Drive and also with a connection into the Cheney Manor industrial estate to help revive this area and encourage companies to invest, and work with local groups such as the Shaw residents association and also Swindon council to promote the scheme.

3. The cost of the tickets must be at least frozen and high discounts given to those who have season tickets.

The length of trains needs to be extended to provide more capacity for commuters.