Penhill residents may be about to gain some much-needed extra parking spaces.

Labour councillors for Penhill, David Glaholm and Andy Harrison, have asked highways officers to consider putting in dropped kerbs while the council is resurfacing Ramsbury Avenue.

This would allow residents to use the areas in front of their houses for parking. Because work is being carried out on the road anyway, the dropped kerbs will not cost the council any extra money.

"The parking in the area is terrible," said Coun Glaholm, who estimated there are 50 spaces for about 250 houses. People are having to park in the streets well away from where they live and they are not happy about it.

"It's a good idea that when they are doing the road and the footpaths to put the drop kerbs in as well."

The councillor said the houses were built 50 years ago when residents did not have cars, whereas now some households have three.

Coun Harrison added: "We have had complaints from residents who have ended up having to park illegally if they can get in anywhere at all.

"The estate was not built for the amount of cars there are today and it is common sense to do something about it now."

Both councillors are confident their plan will be put into practice and are meeting officers to discuss it within the next couple of weeks.

Dennis Cole, acting group officer for highway maintenance at Swindon Council, said it was not unusual to put in vehicle access for residents when other work was being carried out.

"It does come cheaper if we are digging up the road anyway," he added.

"It would be a good opportunity to provide vehicle access and there would be no additional cost for drop kerbs."