Proposals to make changes to a junction in Greenbridge Road have been described as a missed opportunity by a Stratton councillor.

Barrie Jennings, a councillor for the Lower Coleview ward, said that funds put towards changing a mini roundabout between Greenbridge Road and Dorcan Way would have been better spent installing a road crossing for nearby residents.

Coun Jennings said: “It’s quite a busy road, and it’s going to become an even busier road with the New Eastern Villages traffic.

“It’s quite difficult crossing the road from the bus stop to the flats in Twickenham Close. If you go at an off-peak time it’s not an issue, but at peak times it becomes an issue, with people struggling to run across the road.

“The bus stop is at the end of the road, and there are cars whizzing along there.

“If you go at an off-peak time it’s not an issue, but at peak times it is, with people struggling to run across the road.”

The proposed changes are designed to reduce the impact of developments adjacent to the junction, following a high number of collisions.

As well as changing the road markings, officials also want to reduce the speed limit on the stretch of road from 40 miles per hour to 30, and replace the signage and bollards in the area.

The total cost of the project is expected to come to around £38,000.

But Coun Jennings believes that while investment is taking place in the junction, it would be an ideal time to address the concerns of local residents and install a crossing.

“There’s a capital allocation for this year to improve the Greenbridge roundabout, and it seems to me that it’s an opportune time to include a crossing.

“If you’re going to do one, it seems sensible to do both.

“I asked last year for a crossing to be put in, and they told me it would go down on a wish list – the problem is that, over time, wish lists tend to vanish.”

A spokesman for Swindon Borough Council said: “A light-controlled crossing would cost in the region of £80,000, and this request will be managed by our pedestrian crossing review process along with the many other requests we receive from across the borough.”

The proposals for the changes to the junction come days after a new £55,000 light installation was announced at the nearby Greenbridge Roundabout.

The lighting scheme, which was paid for by section 106 contributions from developers, was part of a £166,000 redevelopment of the roundabout.