THE council have been accused of “breaking their promise” after plans to install a sound barrier along the A419 were put on hold.

For the past few years, Swindon Borough Council have been drawing up plans to install a solar sound barrier at various points along the A419.

But a recent review of the scheme has resulted in the £603,000 set aside to implement it being removed from the capital programme for 2017/18.

Councillor Mary Martin, cabinet member for communities and place, explained that a few unexpected problems had arisen that caused councillors to re-think.

She said: “Research showed that the work was going to be much more involved than we first thought due to surveys showing a lot of archaeological problems.

“Because of this, we decided it wasn’t something we wanted to continue with in this year’s capital programme, pending a review.”

Other issues included the limited number of properties that would actually benefit from the barrier and the close proximity of other road works that have been taking place throughout the year.

But Coun Martin stressed that just because the project was being removed from the capital programmed, it does not mean it will be abandoned completely.

She said that Highways England had shown an interest in taking over the project and are currently working with the council to seek a way forward.

“Highways England signalled their desire to do some sound barrier construction along the A419, and it would be extremely good if they could get the money to do that,” the councillor said.

However, if the government-owned company are unable to progress further, the project would likely be a long time coming.

In response, Labour said it was “a very sad decision” by the cabinet.

The Labour Group’s shadow lead for sustainability, Councillor Jane Milner-Barry, said: “In 2014, the whole council got behind the idea of constructing a solar sound barrier along the A419.

“It would have been a great advertisement for the town, with motorists passing the solar panels seeing that Swindon is prepared to think outside the box to improve our environment and tackle climate change.

“The promise to deliver solar noise barriers along roads including the M4 at Wichelstowe by 2030 is one of the 30 pledges which SBC has proudly printed on the walls of its council offices.

“Meanwhile hundreds of households in eastern Swindon continue to suffer from unacceptable levels of noise. One might ask what the 30 pledges are worth.”

Coun Martin added: “We look at making decisions in the best interests of the town as a whole and the opportunity presented by Highways England will allow projects on a much bigger scale than we could do.”

Highways England were unable to comment before publication, but have signalled their desire to get in touch.