PENSIONER Joan Ricks says road humps installed in Penhill are a real pain for people with back problems.

Joan, 73, who has a damaged spine, has to drive over more than 20 speed cushions every time she goes shopping or visits her grandchildren.

The Hannington Close resident says she suffers extra pain every time she drives over humps installed recently in Penhill Drive, Burbage Road and Ramsbury Avenue.

She said: "Although I drive a Volvo estate, I still get pains down my spine every time I go over one.

"If I go from my flat to towards Cricklade Road, I have to go over about seven or eight humps.

"But, because of the one-way system, on my way back I have to go over about 22."

Mrs Ricks' back problems were caused by lifting heavy cases of spirits during more than 40 years spent running an off-licence.

The pain got bad about 10 years ago, and she needs to take regular doses of painkillers.

She has now written to Swindon Council to complain about the road humps.

Coun David Glaholm (Lab, Penhill) defended the humps.

He said: "I'm saddened to hear that someone is suffering in this way, but these humps were installed to reduce the speed of traffic in Penhill, which has a horrendous accident record.

"Inconvenience to drivers should be minimised if they drive over them slowly.

"Mrs Ricks' complaint is the only official one we have had."