A MEETING to address concerns of residents in North Swindon has been welcomed by a former parish councillor.

John Stooke, who lives in Haydon Wick and has tirelessly campaigned to install safety measures in Thamesdown Drive, has praised North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson for arranging a meeting at his Orbital Centre offices to discuss a number of issues.

Mr Stooke, formerly a Haydon Wick parish councillor, said: “I welcome this kind of gathering as it will be able properly to listen to local concerns and respond with action if they so decide.”

Issues likely to be raised will include the decision to install CCTV cameras in Thamesdown Drive and the planned roadworks in the Redhouse area.

Mr Stooke, who has previously said that CCTV cameras will not address the problems with speeding on the busy road, said: “CCTV cameras on a few Thamesdown Drive junctions are likely to be expensive, time-consuming, require scarce police resources, and are essentially retrospective.

“Red light cameras, however, would be cheaper, highly cost efficient, fully automatic, would be proactive and have an overall calming effect on motorists’ behaviour on this busy dual carriageway.”

The meeting will take place at Justin Tomlinson’s Orbital Centre office from 5.30pm until 7pm on Friday, November 17.

Mr Tomlinson said: “Following on from last years public meeting I have organised this drop-in event so fellow residents can see the planned works for both Thamesdown Drive and Redhouse Way.

“There will also be present highways officers; Coun David Renard; ward councillors Emma Faramarzi, Toby Elliott, Malcolm Davies, Gemma McCracken, Mary Friend and Vera Tomlinson; PCC Angus Macpherson and the local police.

“This is an informal event so you can just pop in, see the plans, ask any questions, and you might even get a cuppa. I hope this event is useful and is a great opportunity to raise concerns and suggestions.”