PLANS to mothball north Swindon’s only park and ride are still on track, according to budget papers.

Swindon Council’s cabinet is expected to approve proposals to close the Groundwell site, despite vocal protests from passengers.

The council is planning to look into alternative uses for the site if the service is mothballed.

But campaigners fear that once it is closed there will be no going back.

Sara Spinks, organiser of the Save Park and Ride Kampaign (SPARK), said: “It is extremely disappointing that they are continuing to press these proposals despite the fact that they haven’t consulted with the public.

“The council is taking a very short-sighted view on the issue. This will increase congestion and force people to pay high prices in the town centre car parks.

“What major employer is going to want to come to Swindon with this stance?”

David Potter, director of planning and transport at Swindon Council, said: “My understanding is that we are still talking about mothballing the site, but we are aware of the reactions the proposals have attracted and we want to show people that those have been taken on board.

“There are no plans to scrap Park and Ride. It is an important principal but it is not working at the moment.

“The proposal we are looking at is to temporarily close the Groundwell site, but we are also interested in how that site can be used in the meantime.

“It would not be useful to speculate on what those uses could be at the moment – but we are looking at the best way of utilising the site.

“There are definitely no plans to sell the site.”

But Sara was not convinced by the promise.

She said: “I think they are just keeping their options open – at the moment they are saying they want to mothball it but if they can find another use for the site - from a developer or some supermarket then I’m sure they wouldn’t think twice about closing it.”

The budget papers also include concerns over the Wroughton Park and Ride site, where income from business parking is expected to drop over the next few years.

A petition to save the Groundwell site will be presented to the Mayor of Swindon on Tuesday.