FURIOUS pensioners living at an independent retirement complex want answers after it has taken more than two years to install a much-needed footpath outside.

Residents at Fitzwarren Court apartments, which are operated by MHA, say they only purchased their flats on the understanding that the path from the entrance in Kingsdown Road to the Highworth Road roundabout would have been built within six months of moving in.

The saga first started when plans to build a petrol station, pub, drive-through coffee shop and two-takeaway outlets were given the green light two years ago.

But after many delays, last month developers resubmitted outline plans to Swindon Borough Council with changes to how people would access the facilities.

Under the new proposals there would only be one entrance and exit point in Highworth Road as opposed to the old plans which showed an entrance in Highworth Road and exit in Kingsdown Road.

But the changes have left many feeling anxious that the footpath from the MHA site will be scrapped altogether.

Robert Berry, 78, said: “Nothing has happened since they were given outline permission two years ago.

“The entrance to get to Fitzwarren Court is very dangerous and the worse situation is that without a footpath there is no safe way to walk to those facilities that have been planned.

“There have been collisions along Kingsdown Road and when I have pulled out before with cars coming towards you on the right from the crematorium, they come over the humpback bridge so fast because there is a bend and you lose sight of the cars ahead.

“Fitzwarren Court is called assisted retirement living and it was sold to us on that understanding but you can’t be independent if you can’t walk to the nearby shop. It is all good saying it will happen when the development starts but this has been going on years now.

“We feel like we aren’t getting anywhere. Even if a temporary path was put in that would be better than having to talk on the main road.”

After raising their concerns with both MHA and the council, many feel their worries are falling on deaf ears.

Moira Marks, 82, said: “I was told that the footpath would be installed within six months of moving in and that was over 18 months ago. We just want a footpath so we can get to the bus.

“If you don’t drive then you have no choice. Some staff start at 7am and so have to walk in the dark along the road to get here and it is so dangerous.

“If I knew it wasn’t going to be built when they said I would have thought differently about coming here. Obviously I drive but you have to think how much longer will all of us be driving for?”

A spokesman from MHA said: “We fully support our residents at Fitzwarren Court and Stanton Lodge in calling for the footpath to be built as soon as possible. We understand planning permission for the neighbouring development has now been granted and would urge the developers to build the footpath as soon as possible.

“On behalf of the residents, we have asked the highways authority that the hedges by the bus stop be cut back to make it safer for people using the bus stop.

“As the land and footpath development is not within MHA’s control, we would not have given any assurances to residents that it would be built within six months as this is out of our control.”

A Swindon Borough Council spokesman added: “As part of this development there is a requirement for a cycleway/footpath to be installed along the north side of Kingsdown Road to benefit local people.

“We’re currently considering a revised application from the developer which relates to access points, but the applicant is still required to install the cycleway/footpath included in the original planning applications when the building work gets underway.”

A spokesman from the agents of the developers was unavailable to comment.