COMMUTERS are being forced into their cars as they say their final farewells to the town’s park and ride.

That was the view of the Save Park and Ride Kampaign (Spark) who have protested against the closure without success.

The North Swindon scheme near the Groundwell industrial estate which takes passengers in and out of the town centre closed yesterday after the council deemed it a drain on resources.

The alternative for bus users is the number 12 express service.

Sara Spinks, co-founder of Spark, said campaigners had been left frustrated by what she perceived as reluctance by the council to change their minds and the lack of action to promote the service and get people using it.

She was backed by Conservative councillors who said this was a step backwards for the town.

“People are being forced into their cars because of this decision,” she said.

“Sitting in traffic with a car engine running isn’t very environmentally friendly and it’s not particularly pleasant.

“Part of the frustration is the way the council have kept changing the debate from saying it wasn’t sustainable to it’s in the wrong place.”

She said a lot of the people that use the service come from outlying areas like South Cerney, Highworth or Cricklade where there is no appropriate bus service and would have to drive.

She said that by pushing people to park in the council car parks the council would be effectively profiting from the loss of the service.

“It’s clearly a sad day,” said former shadow lead member for transport coun Derique Montaut, who has campaigned against the step.

“The Labour group has supported an integrated transport strategy central to which is Park and Ride.

“Whilst other towns are expanding we’re closing.”

He said it would also have a negative effect on the town centre and would increase congestion.

“There’s going to be an impact on the local economy – we’ll have less people wanting to visit our town and the town centre is currently struggling from a drop off of trade.

“At a time when we need to increase it, we’re not using the transport system to boost the local economy.“ Coun Jim Grant, shadow lead member for transport called the decision outrageous and showed the current administration’s lack of commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.