THE Stagecoach bus depot site and the Regent Circus redevelopment are at the top of the list of concerns for residents in the new Eastcott ward.

The ward has the same name as an existing ward but its boundaries have changed and it now encompasses the business area of Old Town, as well as some of Kingshill.

Stuart Hibbert, 43, who has lived in South Street for about eight years, said one of the key issues was what might replace the Stagecoach bus depot. Stagecoach has submitted an application to Swindon Council to build a replacement depot at Cheney Manor Industrial Estate.

Mr Hibbert said: “A lot of people would like it to be used in terms of expansion of King William Street School. There’s a few school places they’re looking for over the next few years so that would be fantastic for the council to consider expanding King William Street School.

“There’s quite a lot of school places that are going to be needed in the local area and that’s something that’s going to be needed in the local area and that’s something that’s going to be in the forefront of people’s minds.”

Mr Hibbert said the council was consulting on plans to transfer the running of Savernake Street Social Hall to the community, but he wanted reassurances that it was not all just about saving money.

He said: “It needs to be able to turn a profit. That’s the crux of it. It needs to be able to return a profit so at least it can invest in its own facilities going forward.”

Mr Hibbert also said he wanted the new councillors to fight to ensure that the leisure complex to be built on the site of the former Swindon College, at Regent Circus, would not cause problems for residents, such as increased noise, reduced parking, or a rat run along Eastcott Hill.

Toby Robson, 41, who has lived in Prospect Hill for about 12 years, added: “Everyone wants to see the college come down but people also want to make sure the infrastructure to support the facility and all the extra traffic and footfall are in place.”

Mr Robson said he also wanted the new councillors to monitor the level of crime and disorder in the area after the planned opening of the new Tiger Bills nightclub, in Hooper’s Place, which has a 6am licence standing from the Studio nightclub.