The dismantling of the Honda factory in Swindon is well underway as pieces of assembly line have been shipped off to new owners.

The South Marston plant was the home of the Japanese car manufacturer until last summer when it was decommissioned and all of the workers were made redundant.

Honda has been clearing the factory to get it ready for its legal handover to new owner Panattoni this year.

Last weekend and on Thursday the lorries carrying huge items from the former Honda factory caused delays for motorists. 

A spokesperson from Honda said: "As part of Honda UK Manufacturing’s (Honda) decommissioning activity, a series of abnormal load convoys departed the Swindon factory over a four-day period in January.

"Honda engaged with the equipment purchaser and all relevant parties to best mitigate disruption to local traffic."

Police had to accompany the vehicles and issued a warning for motorists to expect delays as the slow-moving convoys made their way from Swindon to their new home in West Bristol.

They traveled along the A361 Highworth Road, on the A419 southbound from the Rat Trap to Junction 15 of the M4, then westbound on the motorway towards their destination on the west side of Bristol.

It is believed various parts of the press lines were being transported and, while not confirmed, a spokesperson did say there could be more abnormal loads leaving the factory in the future.

"The remaining equipment being decommissioned will be assessed for how best to transport it from the Swindon site," they said.

"Honda will continue to work with the buyer to ensure that all relevant parties are kept informed."

The closure of the factory marked the end of a significant era for Swindon with Honda serving as a major employer for the town for just over 35 years. 

The factory's last day on July 30 saw roughly 3,500 workers down tools for the last time after its shock closure was announced in 2019. 

The last Honda Civic made on-site rolled off the production line on Wednesday, July 28 with workers pausing to witness the poignant moment and management offering a few words of thanks. 

In the three-and-a-half decades the factory's peak employment saw more than 4,000 working there, and the workforce manufactured 3.7 million cars as well as 4.1 million engines.