AFTER nearly 800 people signed a petition begging the borough council to end the misery caused them by traffic problems, councillors have vowed to do something about it.

Earlier this year 769 residents of Rodbourne petitioned the local authority to sort of the traffic jams blighting the streets in the area, particularly around MacarthurGlen Designer Outlet, especially at weekends or when there are special occasions at the Steam museum.

On Wednesday the borough council’s Conservative cabinet will discuss measures suggested at a full council meeting back in April.

Since then, some have already been implemented, such as the creation of two new lanes on Kemble Drive.

Coun Fionuala Foley, Swindon Borough Council’s cabinet member for highways and the environment, said: “We are aware of the problems faced by the people of Rodbourne at weekends and when events are held at STEAM, and we are determined to solve them.

“Our highways team is working closely with the Outlet Centre and the STEAM Museum and a number of solutions have already been implemented which look like they could have a positive effect in the long term.

“I want the people of Rodbourne to know that we hear your concerns and are committed to finding solutions that work for everyone.”

Other suggestions include the removal of the Church Place bus gate at weekends to allow traffic to access Bristol Street car park.

A meeting has also been scheduled with outlet bosses and others to explore options around car park access and the possibility of increasing car parking capacity.

The council says it may make Rodbourne Road ‘northbound only’ on days when there are special events at the outlet or the STEAM Museum.

Rodbourne resident Amy Wilkins, organised the petition that has sparked the council into action. She told the Adver: “The Outlet Village is great, we don’t have a problem with that at all. We always used to expect it to be busy at Christmas or around Easter – we knew we would struggle to get in and out.

“But the Outlet centre expanded and nothing was done to accommodate it, and every weekend it is impossible to get down Rodbourne Road. We have to plan ahead for the weekend and we have to add extra time onto our journeys.”