Whilst we accept that cable needs to be laid to the data centre and support jobs being created in the local economy, we do not believe that the street works department of Swindon Borough Council have given fair consideration to the disruption that will be caused to all local residents, in particular children who have to get the school bus passing via Marlborough Road to both Wroughton Infant and Junior School and Ridgeway School. These children have already had a very serious impact on their education both from Covid 19 home-schooling and prior road closures. The pupils in Y11 and Y13 have mock exams in February and March. The diversion route will take more than 30 minutes and will cause pupils to potentially be late for these.

The council who granted the permit needed to take this into consideration and insist on reasonable accommodation to manage inconvenience from the developers, which we can see no evidence has taken place.

Furthermore local businesses and residents of Alexandra Park, Thorney and Langton Park, Beranburh Field, Burderop and the surrounding areas will face significant disruption and financial impact. Many small local businesses are also just recovering from the pandemic and again mitigating factors to reduce inconvenience such as avoiding full road closures in rush hour should have been considered and required as a condition of the closure.

We request Swindon Borough Council, Conlon & Instalcom & Bellway to work together urgently to review residents suggestions and significantly reduce the disruption faced by local school pupils and residents, as a responsible council should have made a requirement in the first place.