A ROW has been re-ignited over whether or not a bridge should be open to all traffic or just public service vehicles.

Plans are in the pipeline to build the Great Stall Bridge which will provide pedestrian, cycle and public transport access into Swindon from the New Eastern Villages over the A419.

Initial designs for the bridge propose that it be closed ordinary drivers, with only public service and emergency vehicles permitted to use it.

But residents in Stratton are convinced that is the wrong approach and that the £15m facility should be accessible to all.

Campaign group Stratton Against Road Changes was recently set up by locals worried about the impact of the New Eastern Villages on the parish’s road network.

The group has this week renewed calls for all drivers to be permitted to use the Great Stall Bridge.

Ron Fox, secretary of StARC, said: “We remain unconvinced of arguments that this should be limited to public service and emergency vehicles. If it is open to all traffic then it will encourage some traffic to use Covingham Drive to access Greenbridge.

“While we understand the objections of local residents in this area, we believe that this is one way not only to relieve capacity at the White Hart roundabout, but also to limit the amount of additional traffic using Oxford Road.”

But people living in Covingham and Dorcan remain fearful of the adverse affects this could have on their parish.

Ward councillor Dale Heenan recently said of the plan to open the bridge to all traffic: “This must not happen. It will cause tailbacks, gridlock and will be a nightmare for local residents.”