BAFFLED residents living in Pine-hurst claim that they have been unfairly criticised for not backing a chance to make a road safer because they have not received consultation forms yet.

The council and relatives of car crash victims blasted residents for only sending back 200 of the 3,500 freepost forms, aimed at finding out what can be done to reduce accidents along Pinehurst Road.

In Monday's Adver, the local authority said that it would struggle to make a decision with such a limited response.

But many residents say they have not had the chance to comment.

Gordon Will, 60, of Pinehurst Road, said: "There seems to have been some kind of mix-up.

"We feel put out that we have been called apathetic when we haven't had the chance to respond."

Another resident, who did not wish to be named, said that some of the forms could have been dumped before they were delivered.

"That's the only explanation I can think of," he said. "A lot of residents feel very passionate about this and I'm sure more would respond if they actually got them."

The Pinehurst Area has seen 71 casualties over the past five years, eight of which were serious.

The council is introducing a 20mph speed limit in the area and is trying to identify ways of ensuring it is enforced.

People have been asked which options, including humps and build outs, they like or dislike on the consultation forms.

John Dudek, of Liddington Street, who did not receive a questionnaire, wants a better scheme than the existing chicanes.

"Impatient motorists speed around those built out islands, driving at a much faster speed than before the layout was altered," he said. "Drivers coming in the opposite direction have little chance to avoid a collision."

Don MacLean, 52, of The Circle, who received a form and sent it back, agreed that people used the area as a racetrack.

"There have been serious accidents here," he said. "Too many people have short memories."

The council is scheduled to finish processing the forms later this month and an exhibition, showing preferred designs, will be held in a marquee in Pinehurst on Tuesday, November 2.

Council spokesman Gavin Calthrop, who warned any apathetic

residents not to come crying when they didn't get what they want, said distribution teams, who were monitored, delivered the forms.

"Every single address had one put through the door," he said. "There is no chance that they have not been delivered."

The deadline for consultation has been extended until October 28.

Forms can be picked up from Swindon libraries or people can log onto www.swindon.gov.uk

Ben Payne