WORK to rejuvenate the Regent Circus bus corridor is taking weeks longer than expected to complete.

Work started on the extensive renovations back in March and was expected to be finished by late spring.

A sign by the Central Library displaying the number of weeks it’ll take to complete has had the number 24 stickered over the previous target, 16.

Once it’s finished, the new continuous bus lane from the eastern end of Commercial Road through to Princes Street will be part of the Quality Bus Corridor between a new housing development in Wichelstowe and the town centre, via Old Town and Mannington.

Businesses by the bus stop don’t appear to have been significantly affected by the delays.

Michael Gulliver, one of the managers for Phone Fixers, said; “We’re still doing alright.

“We used to get a few people coming in after they step off the bus, which hasn’t happened since the roadworks started.

“Luckily, we have another entrance for customers to use, it’s not been too bad.

“Last I heard, this was supposed to be finished by the end of August but the council keep adding time on.

“If we were losing customers, we’d be kicking off, but it’s just a bit noisy, really.”

A spokesperson for Swindon Borough Council said the most important thing was to get the work right: “The project is continuing to be delivered within the timeframe.

"The works to date have been managed to ensure they are of the highest standard and we have, therefore, continued to focus on the quality of the work.

"We are very pleased with the work to date and continue to manage the final elements of the scheme to the same high standard.

“We are not aware of any issue with the concrete. We will be looking to unveil the finished project with our local bus operators before the end of the year. We will confirm a date nearer the time.”

The improvements to Regent Circus include widening and repaving of the existing footpaths on both sides of the road, new bus shelters, new and enhanced street lighting and the installation of soft landscaping in the shape of planters.

The scheme, which has been the subject of two public consultations, will also allow the council to make improvements to the drainage in the area.

The speed bumps by the MECA have been removed and the road has been resurfaced.

Bus stops A, B and C by the Central Library have been temporarily removed while the works are being carried out.

Two replacement temporary stops have been set up in Princes Street.