RESIDENTS of Covingham were puzzled to see that a number of speed bumps along Kingfisher Drive, St Paul's Drive and Covingham Drive were painted with the word 'out' in foot high yellow letters.

About a dozen of the bumps, which were installed in March as part of traffic calming measures in the area were marked out in a similar way.

Swindon Council press officer Gavin Calthrop revealed some of the recently installed speed humps had cracked and were not up to Highways Agency standards.

"The contractor responsible has been asked to carry out repair work, to ensure that the bumps are roadworthy once again.

"I am pleased to say this will be at the contractor's own expense and will not cost the tax payer anything."

Paul Burton, senior traffic engineer for Swindon Council explained: "Some traffic calming speed cushions in the Covingham area are scheduled to be replaced because the materials have failed.

"They will be replaced in the same position and profile and the cost will be borne by the contractor.

He said a number of mini roundabouts in the area had been repositioned to make them driver friendly.