The Southern Connector Road remains closed as discussions between Swindon Borough Council and administrators continue. 

The £30m road to the east of the town project was due to open at the end of the summer holidays last year, but the contractor responsible for it - Buckingham Group - suddenly collapsed into administration just days before it was supposed to open.

Once that happens, the council says the road will provide a key link between the New Eastern Villages and the Commonhead Roundabout, close to the Great Western Hospital.

Buckingham Group was not able to conduct essential safety and technical checks, including fixing any snags, before going out of business. This meant discussions have been ongoing since then over who would complete that work. 

Ridgeway ward councillor and leader of the borough council's Conservative group, Gary Sumner, has provided an update from Damian Wood, assistant project manager at the council, on how those talks have progressed after months of uncertainty. 

He said: "Swindon Borough Council remains actively involved in discussions to resolve all contractual matters with the administrator who is managing all financial issues since the collapse of the contractors (Buckingham Group).

"When contractual agreements are concluded new contractors will be selected to complete the outstanding SCR works and the correction of defects."

It was reported that work had been done to determine the cause of flooding in the Moorleaze area of the scheme and this was being done with affected residents. 

It added: "In the coming weeks, we will install additional safety buoyancy aids for the four large ponds on the scheme. Additional safety signage will follow.

"We are currently undertaking inspections of the SCR bridge. In the last month, we have put up scaffolding around the bridge to facilitate the inspectors’ work. We are checking works completed by the contractor and collecting data to plan how to complete outstanding works.

"The SCR bridge was recently graffitied – this was reported to the Police. Security patrols in this area have been increased. The graffiti will be removed in due course / later this year."

A number of trees that were planted as part of the scheme have died, but plans are now underway to replace them, with an internal council group set up to manage future planting, growing and maintenance. 

"We continue to be engaged landowners and developers. Meetings are taking place with interested parties to answer questions on proposals and development ideas," Mr Wood added. 

Plans are also underway to display archaeological finds including Roman objects, jewellery and coins, with contracted specialists working up the results of analysis. Display boards will also be put up in the area.