An initiative from national charity Sustrans to help local unemployed people get back to work has been axed after its first run due to government cutbacks.

Nine long-term jobless men from Swindon were recruited to work on the county’s cycle paths, including one in Compton Bassett.

Five have found work following the scheme, which taught them machinery skills and landscaping.

Team supervisor Melvin Godwin, who will lose his job on November 5, said: “They did some wonderful work at Compton Bassett.

“It started off basically as a marsh. There was chewed-up grass, stinging nettles and thistles everywhere.

“They dug it all out, put stones in and stone dust to cover it. It looks so different now.”

The scheme put young men to work on a six-month contract improving cycle and walking paths from Chisledon to Marlborough.

They were paid the minimum wage, with the hope of finding work afterwards.

Mr Godwin said: “They worked all through the summer in the heat, they just put their heads down and got on with it.”

Everyone who worked through the scheme received a certificate, known as a ticket’, to help them find work in the future.

“Five of them have got work but there’s one lad who still gets up every morning at 6.30am and doesn’t know how to fill his day,” said Mr Godwin.

“They’re all keeping an eye out for each other and trying to find work together. The whole system really worked. It’s a shame for everyone.”