A FINAL bid to prevent the closure of two Coate Water underpasses has ended in failure. 

In March, Swindon Borough Council issued a Decision Note stating that the two underpasses under Queen's Drive and Marlborough Road, would be shut because they were "unsafe".

They would be replaced by a pelican crossing on Queen's Drive.

Labour councillors Janine Howarth, Emma Bushell and Jane Milner-Barry had attempted to get the decision 'called in' so that it would be debated at a Scrutiny Meeting but failed to get the required amount of signatures by the April 7 deadline.

They needed four signatures to back the 'call in' but none of the Conservative councillors shared their support. This means that the scheme will go ahead, despite strong objections from members of the public. 

The public notices for the planned underpass closure received 125 responses, of which 120 were against the proposals with only five in support. 

In addition, the public consultation for the scheme, which took place over February and March 2021, received 165 concerns which many locals say have simply been dismissed. 

Coun Howarth now feels that the opinions of the people are being "ignored".

“I’m just very disappointed for the residents more than anything else, they don’t feel happy about these underpasses being closed but it just seems this has been ignored," she said. 

Pam Jones, from Eldene, said:"There has been a complete lack of transparency on this. They have done the absolute bare minimum that is required by law."

Gina Legg, also from Eldene, added: "Why remove something that works? The underpass is used by everyone, pedestrian's, cyclists, people in wheelchairs, disability scooters, family with pushchairs.  It has always been a safe option to cross this busy route."

"It stinks of social discrimination, every other area has had investment for improvement to their subways, yet the Parks are having their immediate safe access to green space cut off! By counsellors who don’t even live in the area & will remain un-impacted by it," said Vickie Lewis, from the Parks. 

Swindon Advertiser: The flooded underpasses in 2020The flooded underpasses in 2020

The underpasses had previously been blighted by constant flooding but after two years of community efforts Thames Water fixed the drainage issue last year.

Also, in 2018, South Swindon Parish Council worked with a local school to put a First World War Memorial in one of the underpasses.

Residents added that both of these things will have been a waste of time.