OFFICIALS have bowed to public opinion and decided to hold a special exhibition on traffic plans surrounding the Front Garden development.

Swindon Council staff will be on hand to answer questions and take part in two forums on the Southern Development Area planning application.

A second session will be held at the Civic Offices in Euclid Street next month.

"It is an excellent example of the council listening to people," said Coun Fionuala Foley (Con, Old Town and Lawns).

Earlier this month the Advertiser reported that a 500-signature petition had been handed to the council by Old Town residents protesting about a proposal for a bus lane in Croft Road as part of the plan.

As well as increased traffic, they feared they would lose crossing points and on-street parking outside their homes and that the road would be more dangerous.

"I would urge people to go along and look at the plans," said Coun Foley.

She said that if they had suggestions they should make their views known because they would be heard.

Coun Foley wanted to hold a public meeting because of the strong views people had expressed and, as a result, the council officers had agreed to hold the exhibition and forums.

"I hope this will allay fears," said Coun Foley. "I know there was a lot of misinformation going around in some cases.

"People thought refuges were being removed but they are being replaced."

"I think it is a listening exercise. The council has learned from the mistakes it made over the traffic lights at Newport Street junction when they removed the roundabout and didn't consult with people."

Press Officer Gavin Calthrop said: "It is clear there is a lot of interest and concern about the traffic management and bus priority aspects of the applicants' proposals.

"Swindon Council appreciates that there is a need to provide residents with more detailed information about the contents of the proposals and their implications."

The planning application is scheduledto be considered by the council on January 24.

The first exhibition is on November 29 will run between 10am and 3pm at Lethbridge Primary School, in Lethbridge Road, with the forums being held at 11am and 1pm.

The second exhibition is on December 4 from 5m to 9pm, with a forum discussion at 7pm.