Village locals were recently given the 'good news' that Wanborough Road would open for Christmas and then the 'bad news' that it would close again afterwards for up to five months. 

Now, many who are frustrated by the inability to use the main route to and from the village into Swindon because of its closure are asking why this situation has arisen. 

Ridgeway Ward councillor Gary Sumner, who also sits on the cabinet for Swindon Borough Council as cabinet member for strategic infrastructure, transport & planning has explained that there is little that can be done about the closure and the delays. 

First explaining why the work is needed in the first place, he said: "The Wanborough Road closure forms part of the S.278 agreement with the developers of 370 homes at the former Redlands Airfield and is something which the local authority is legally obliged to allow.

"It is an obligation under the 2019 planning consent and includes narrowing of the highway, the addition of pavement and build-outs to assist in maintaining the new 30mph speed limit.

"Street lighting is deemed to be required as part of the road safety audit, but these will be at a lower level and with a dimming regime and baffles fitted to prevent light spread."

But the roadwork, which started in July and was supposed to finish in September was initially delayed for a further two months, but now won't be completed by May next year at the latest. 

This is because the discovery of a Roman road underneath the existing road has led to the need for archaeological inspection and documentation, slowing contractors Conlon down. 

Consequently, Some locals have asked why the road simply can't be opened while work continues, or why more archaeologists can't be brought in, to which Mr Sumner has responded. 

"The road cannot be opened whilst the additional works are completed next year – there is not enough space to work and allow access.

"Neither I as the Borough Councillor for Ridgeway nor Swindon Borough Council can stop the legal agreement to carry out these works under the Highways Act.

"Conlon want to complete the work as quickly as possible and are using all resources to carry out the work, but the drainage work must be carried out in sequence and additional archaeologists, for example, would not speed it up."