Unhappy neighbours say they are being kept up all night because of a rattling noise created by the roadworks on Oxford Road. 

They claim that the road is no longer level with the drains and manhole covers since it has been relaid as part of the New Eastern Villages roadworks scheme. 

This means that vibrations are being felt inside houses when larger vehicles drive over the covers.

Russell Holland, ward councillor for St Margaret and South Marston, confirmed that two manhole covers had been fixed by contractors R&W Civil Engineering. 

But he was met with frustration from residents who said it was a much wider problem.

Swindon Advertiser:

“There are six covers on the main road outside my house alone,” Oxford Road resident Jane Gallo said.

“All of us are trying to sleep but the houses are shaking and there are vibrations. We can’t sleep at night when lorries go over because it rattles.

“They’re not fitted properly because they shake and move. It’s been like this for about two months since they first tarmacked it.”

Her husband Salv added: “We’ve had two really bad nights with all the heavy vehicles driving past. The banging and the noise was unbelievable.

Swindon Advertiser:

“We’ve had to put up with this rubbish with the roadworks for over a year. It’s a bit depressing with these barriers everywhere and now we’re being left with this.”

The improvement scheme, which involved widening Oxford Road to create two approach lanes to the White Hart roundabout, started in March 2021 and has been delayed several times.

A letter was sent to residents last week to notify them that footpath resurfacing works would be completed by July 29 before contractors wrap up the project.

But Jane and Salv are concerned that the workers will leave without fixing the noise problem on the main road. 

“We’re worried they’re going to finish and then we’re never going to see them again and we’ll be left with this rattling,” Jane said.

Swindon Advertiser:

The couple also feel that the two lanes and the sign notifying motorists about the upcoming dual carriageway encourage people to race down the residential part of the road and ignore the 30mph speed limit.

“Cars speeding down the road make the problem worse when they’re going over the manhole covers," Salv added.

“Before the road was sensible and straight. I can’t see the benefits of it. All it’s done is create problems and a lot of unhappy residents.

“It was busy before but never this made. This used to be a calmer road.”

Swindon Advertiser:

Coun Gary Sumner, the cabinet member for strategic infrastructure, transport and planning, said: “The contractor for the work was on site at the end of last week to fix the two manhole covers on Oxford Road which were causing noise issues.

“A letter was also sent to all residents last week to advise the company would be on site this week to finish surfacing the road and look into any further issues.

“The dual carriageway sign is required, as part of Oxford Road now has two lanes and drivers need to be made aware of that, but the road is clearly marked as a 30mph speed limit.

“If anyone has concerns that the speed is not being followed, they should report it to the police. We will continue to monitor the road and take any necessary action.”