Swindon shoppers concerned with Fleming Way underpass to close

The pedestrian subway at the end of The Parade has provided easy access between Swindon's main shopping district and central bus station for many years - but not for much longer.

On August 14, the underpass will be closed and then demolished by contractors Colas as part of Swindon Borough Council's £33m project to redevelop Fleming Way.

New signage near both entrances to the walkway warns shoppers of this major change to the area's layout.

One, who did not wish to give his name, told the Adver: "I get a bus into town and the subway doesn't bother me - but if they block it all off, how will people get through to the bus station?

"It would make it impossible for people to shop. I have bad legs and don't feel very good about this.

"A hell of a lot is being done and the council is spending a fortune, but I don't see how it will benefit us. They're not thinking about public welfare."

"This area used to be a pleasure to walk through, but it's not now."

The underpass below Fleming Way in Swindon's town centre (Image: Newsquest)

Fleming Way is being lowered to the level of The Parade and a pedestrian crossing with traffic lights will replace the sheltered corridor that is there currently.

Swindon Bus Company employee Karen Davies said: "It will be a nuisance but it's got to be done and it's going to happen.

"The underpass is not safe at night, it's full of beggars, it feels creepy, it's horrible. A crossing will be better.

"The long diversion will be frustrating and affect the elderly, especially if there's bad weather."

While the above-ground crossing is being set up, a diversion route for pedestrians along Milford Street will be in place and sign-posted from the train and bus stations.

The diversion route for pedestrians in Swindon town centre after the Fleming Way underpass is closed. (Image: Swindon Borough Council)

Mary Sissons, who uses a zimmer frame on wheels to help move around, said: "This is going to make life really difficult for me because it's such a long walk and I'm so slow.

"They don't think of disabled people.

"I try to avoid coming into town anyway because there's lots of cracks and the paving is not level."

The busker in the underpass, who gave his name as Flute, added: "I don't mind it closing, I just go with the flow, wherever the wind takes me, though the acoustics here are great."

Swindon town centre’s Fleming Way underpass will be demolished later this month.
A diversion will be in place for shoppers until the above-ground pedestrian crossing is ready. pic.twitter.com/rvN0ZPoxxt

— Daniel Angelini (@Adver_Daniel) August 3, 2023