BUS drivers speeding over bumps on a Park South street are still causing houses to shake and crack, residents claim.

Fred and Sheila Davies of Cranmore Avenue are often woken at 5.30am and 11pm by vibrations caused by buses zooming over the bumps outside and thumping back down onto the road.

The Adver reported on this problem back in September and, in response, inspectors were placed on the buses to check that drivers were respecting the speed limit.

However, the couple claim that that the speeding and shaking resumed shortly after the inspectors left but it's been difficult for them to prove that the buses are responsible for their misery.

Fred said: “The council just don't believe that the buses are doing this because the drivers are told when there's a speed test or inspection, then they slow down.

"It happens nearly every morning, we shouldn't have to be disturbed like this."

Sheila said: “This all started when the bus routes changed a year ago, we're desperate for something to be done.

“New houses are being built down the road but the house never shakes when construction lorries go past us, even though the lorries are much heavier than buses.

“Clearly, the lorries are going over the bumps slowly and carefully, like they’re supposed to, and some of the buses aren’t.

"I don't know what it will be like for the people in the new houses, their homes are much closer to the road than ours.

"Every time I go to bed I worry about it happening again.

"I just want a peaceful life and be able to go to sleep without waking up in a fright thinking there's an earthquake."

Cracks by their front window which appeared and were filled in have since reappeared.

The couple showed the Adver letters they’d received in response to their complaints.

Swindon Bus Company’s letter said: "We have put measures in place to ensure that [drivers] approach the speed bumps at lower speed, particularly from 8pm to 8am."

Coun David Renard wrote a comprehensive explanation of how the issue has been addressed, including speed tests and road defect checks.

The letter suggested that changing the bus route wasn't an option, as too many people rely on it, and removing any speed bumps could increase vehicle speeds and the risk of accidents.

Cllr Renard wrote: "I'm not sure that there is anything else that I can offer within the powers of Swindon Borough Council which would not have an adverse impact elsewhere."

He also noted that the council haven't received other complaints about the heavy vibrations.

The Davies' neighbour Brenda Davis said: “I’ve never known anything like it, when the bus drivers don’t have to stop to pick anyone up, they think they can get away with going too fast.

"Lots of people here are fed up with this but Sheila and Fred are the only ones trying to get it sorted.

“It's going to cause a lot of damage to the road and to people’s homes in the long-term. If I had the money I'd move."

Alex Chutter, general manager of Swindon’s Bus Company, said: “We fully understand the concerns of local residents and are continuing to monitor the situation here.

"Our drivers are very careful to ensure minimum disruption whenever they take buses through residential areas - and we issue regular reminders for them to do so.”