Plans which involve the demolition of Cavendish Square have been on public display for the first time.

A week-long exhibition showing proposals for the multi-million pound regeneration of the rundown area was launched yesterday in Park Library.

But residents expecting to see three prospective schemes were disappointed.

Only two developers Wyncon and Leehampton had submitted their plans by yesterday morning. The third, from Carillion, didn't arrive until the afternoon.

John Slack, of Crosswood Road in Park South, said he was annoyed that no one was there to explain the plans when he visited the library in the morning.

Mr Slack, a 48-year-old taxi driver, said: "I came in specially to see the plans and they're not even all here.

"The ones that are up need explanations. I'm very disappointed with the display. It's a major project and is complicated."

Each developer has submitted two options one including the site of Oaktree School and another without.

If the council decides to include the school in the redevelopment programme, it will be given a make-over and improved facilities, such as more car parking space and better play areas.

All three developers incorporate the central block, which currently houses the library, in their design. They also all feature a supermarket, around four times bigger than the existing Co-op.

While all the schemes propose new accommodation, the styles and quantity differ greatly in each proposal.

Carillion has room for 300 homes comprising mostly flats and maisonettes, with an island of shops and a pedestrianised zone, while Wyncon would create 130 new homes mainly flats with a few houses and a horseshoe-shaped parade of shops.

Almost 170 homes, comprising mostly houses with a few flats, are shown in Leehampton's designs, whose shopping area is a covered mall.

Swindon Council's principal valuer, Jonathan Coats, said: "I visited the library after the third set of plans were put up, to talk to residents.

"It is important for people to come down and have a look to make their own minds up.

"Next week they will get the chance to discuss the proposals with the developers and then we will need all the feedback forms in. We are aiming to take the report to Cabinet by August." Council officers will be at the library on Thursday from 10am to 1pm and from 5pm to 7pm to answer questions.

Developers will be at St John's Church, opposite Cavendish Square, on Thursday, June 24, from 10am to 7pm.

Alex Emery