A major road for Wanborough residents will remain closed after the schedule for roadworks was extended.

Swindon Borough Council had closed Pack Hill five weeks ago on January 9, 2023, in order to carry out work for the Southern Connector Road project.

This project aims to prepare the area’s vehicle infrastructure for the new Eastern Villages expansion which will see the construction of 6000 new homes east of Swindon.

The road was due to reopen on Friday, Febraury 10. But while road users can now use the new roundabout, Pack Hill will remain shut until February 15, forcing Wanborough residents to use the diversion via Liddington.

Wanborough locals rely on Pack Hill as their major route to the Commonhead Roundabout, from which they can access the M4, the A419 and Swindon town centre. 

A spokesperson for Swindon Borough Council said: “Work on Pack Hill for the new Southern Connector Road has been progressing well, and road users can now use the new roundabout.

“This work is part of the New Eastern Villages Infrastructure development, creating new communities in Swindon.”

Roadworks have been a contentious issue in the village over the last few years. The parish council formed a working group and held a public meeting on January 30 to discuss their ongoing impact.