CRITICISM of Swindon's delayed roadworks schemes is nothing new - but now they are coming under fire from an unlikely source.

Two Conservative councillors - both until recently members of the ruling cabinet - have written to Swindon Borough Council about ongoing projects around the town.

Former deputy leader Russell Holland posted an open letter to the chief executive at Euclid Street, Susie Kemp, and it was signed by his colleague Robert Jandy - until this month a member of the cabinet.

It says: “We are writing as councillors for Stratton Saint Margaret and South Marston to formally record our serious concerns about the road works which have taken place on Oxford Road, Gablecross and Nythe road.

"We do acknowledge the success of the council in obtaining funding to complete infrastructure changes ahead of the development of the New Eastern Villages.

"We further acknowledge that there are events in a project of this size and scale which are not reasonably foreseeable and that in a project of this size and scale that some element of disruption is inevitable.”

The letter says communications with residents has been good, and officers have responded promptly to queries.

But it says: “Overall, the project has demonstrated a number of flaws and caused unnecesary inconvenience for residents. The resident experience has had unnecessarily negative elements. This has been compounded by delays.”

The letter says there are a number of changes that should be made to the way projects are manged, including: ”There should be consultation with residents about the sequencing of the works.

“There should be a specific webpage for each infrastructure project with updates placed online.

“On the specific webpage there should be a specific e-mail for residents to contact. The webpage should be updated with frequently asked questions.

“The frequently asked questions should expressly cover issues such as updating signage, liaison with other roadworks/utility companies, budget of projects so that residents can clearly see that concerns are taken seriously and responded to.

“There should be a consultation in respect of a “Residents Charter” to ensure that issues such as the placing of equipment, road crossings and signage are consulted on before works takes place.”

The cumulative effect of the delays and what has sometimes been inadequate communication has meant that what should have been regarded as a positive development has felt like a negative experience for too many residents.

“Most residents accept that some development is necessary, and that infrastructure works are positive improvements. However, the impact of these works has undermined confidence.”

At the local elections earlier this month another Conservative councillor for St Margaret & South Marston, Roger Smith, lost his seat and was unequivocal about the reason being the unpopularity of the roadworks.

In response to the letter, councillor Gary Sumner, the borough council’s cabinet member for strategic infrastructure, transport and planning, said: “We appreciate that the scale of highway improvements delivered in East Swindon (which total around £44m of investment) has undoubtedly caused massive inconvenience to residents and businesses and we’re sorry the schemes have overrun.

"We have asked the council’s audit committee to consider a report to look at the lessons learned, and, in this context, we very much welcome the suggestions made by Coun Holland and his fellow ward councillors.

“These major improvements to key junctions in the east of Swindon have taken place to accommodate future housing growth and we have obtained the funding to deliver the schemes years ahead of the houses being built.

“Many of the delays have been caused by matters beyond our control such as diversions of utilities during the pandemic, the unforeseen reconstruction of the sub-base at White Hart roundabout and delays to obtaining third-party land at Gablecross.

“During the works we have updated councillors weekly on the work that has taken place and works anticipated, which they have been able to share with residents. We have had a regular online newsletter and our contractors have undertaken letter drops where residents have been immediately affected. Regular updates on all the projects have been shared on our social media channels and through the local media.

“We always seek to improve engagement with residents and will continue to work with local councillors to more closely meet our residents’ expectations.”