The campaign is adding pressure on local decision makers and bus operators to reconsider gaps in east Swindon’s transport network.
The push follows a motion raised at full council by Councillor Mike Davies examining socially necessary bus routes. After the debate, he joined forces with Heidi Alexander, Councillor Marianne Le Coyte Grinney and Councillor Rebecca Banwell Moore to launch a public petition to demonstrate demand for a direct connection.
At the centre of the issue is the long unused Sedgebrook bus gate linking Liden Drive to Marlborough Road. The bus gate has remained unused for years despite offering a potential shortcut that could reduce journey times to the hospital and other destinations.
Currently, residents in Eldene and Liden travelling to the hospital must catch the 13 or 14 service to Queen’s Drive. They then need to cross the road and wait for the number 1 service.
For those attending hospital appointments, working shifts or visiting regularly, the additional interchange can introduce delay and uncertainty. The extra walking can also present challenges for elderly or unwell passengers.
Residents in Covingham, Coleview and Nythe face similar issues when attempting to reach the hospital directly. In the opposite direction, Greenbridge remains one of Swindon’s main retail and employment areas, yet there is no direct route up Dorcan Way from Eldene and Liden.
In a joint statement, the councillors said:
“A direct route to the hospital is a frequent topic of conversation on the doorstep, and every time residents travel down Liden Drive the Sedgebrook bus gate is a reminder that it should be possible.
Swindon Borough Council has been awarded £3.2m in bus funding from the Labour Government for the next three years. We’re calling on the council to use that investment to support a new direct service.”
The reference to £3.2 million in funding adds a political dimension to the campaign. Supporters argue that if funding is available to improve bus services, restoring or introducing a practical east to hospital link should be a priority.
The question now turns to viability. Bus operators will assess passenger demand, operating costs, driver availability and timetable integration before committing to any new service.
While 400 signatures indicate support, the commercial and logistical case will need to be considered. The petition remains open, with organisers planning to present it to local bus companies at the end of February.
Residents can add their support via the campaign page hosted on Heidi Alexander’s website.
If introduced, the route would reshape connectivity across east Swindon, linking residential areas more directly with healthcare, retail and employment destinations.
Residents can find the petition here, and we will be looking to hand it in to the bus companies at the end of February:https://www.heidialexander.org.uk/eastswindonbuspetition
