STAKEHOLDERS concerned over damage to properties surrounding Regent Circus gathered this week to formulate a plan of action ahead of crunch talks with the development’s contractor.

On Wednesday evening, 18 people, including representatives of South Swindon MP Robert Buckland, attended a meeting at The Beehive pub in Prospect Hill chaired by Peter Green, the former secretary of Swindon Back Garden.

The latest development was the advice offered by Marianne Johns of Withy King solicitors.

She said anyone affected must undertake independent surveys of the alleged damage as soon as possible, to ensure it is all documented.

Mr Green was impressed by the turn-out, but not pleased, given the reasons for so many attending.

He also said a list of those who have registered concerns for property damage will now be submitted to Mr Buckland.

“I wasn’t pleased, noYou don’t want this problem for so many people. They just want their minds put to rest,” Mr Green said.

“We have produced a draft agenda for the meeting Robert Buckland will chair. That’s (survey advice) one of the key things in it.

“Once you have got that, you know where you stand.

“There has been some concern about that meeting and who’s attending. Councillors are very keen to attend, but also to get members of the planning department in there.”

Mr Buckland has arranged for the meeting with ISG, Regent Circus’s contractor, to take place on June 11, but the firm has only agreed to affected residents attending. Eastcott ward councillors Paul Dixon (Lab), Stan Pajak (Lib) and David Wood (Lib) all want to attend, which has pleased Mr Green.

“We are all pleased something is happening and pleased Robert Buckland is involved again. I’m very pleased the councillors are involved too,” he said.

“I like to think this is the beginning of the end, but it’s more likely to be the end of the beginning.”

Aside from the need to nail down some independent surveys, Mr Green also said a common trend in complainants was the lack of contact or action with ISG.

He estimated there were 12 properties, including Rehoboth Strict Baptist Chapel, allegedly affected by the development of Regent Circus.

He said those with concerns and wanting to attend the June meeting with Mr Buckland are looking at the long-term impact if repair timeframes are dragged out.

“Is this going to get worse with bad weather? Are these cracks harbingers of something else,” he said. “Long-term, the worry is this is affecting the value of our houses.”

Mr Buckland said: “I am very concerned that residents had come to me about a lack of communication with ISG. That situation must end. Residents are entitled to know the position and I will do all that I can to help them through this difficult time.”