OLD Town traders and residents are rejoicing after it was revealed that a roundabout will replace the controversial Newport Street traffic light junction by as early as next month.

The decision to remove the lights on April 6 follows a 10-month battle by traders.

Councillors were divided on the issue of re-installing the roundabout, which went before four separate committees at Swindon Council before the Cabinet finally sanctioned the change.

Rosemary Earle, 52, proprietor of Earle's Newsagents in Newport Street, was one of the campaigners against the traffic lights.

She said: "This is absolutely wonderful news and we welcome the roundabout back with open arms this time we'll make sure it's not taken away once it's back.

"The traffic lights created a dangerous situation in an area that was already busy with traffic. Vehicles were slowed down causing frustration, filter lights caused cars to speed round corners and pedestrians had to extremely careful to the point of being paranoid before crossing the road.

"Once the roundabout is put back people will approach the junction more slowly and priority will be given back to pedestrians and that's been the key issue in all of this."

The £150,000 lights were installed last year to give priority to buses coming into town from the Wroughton Park and Ride and residents immediately started complaining they were causing lengthy delays for traffic.

It sometimes took up to five minutes for pedestrians to cross the road.

The council will review the re-introduced roundabout scheme for six months before making a decision on whether to make it a permanent fixture or revert to traffic lights.

Other work set to take place at the junction includes installing pedestrian safety railings at Croft Road which will be immediately responsive so pedestrians are allowed sufficient time to cross.

Coun Fionuala Foley (Con, Old Town and Lawns) said: "This is most definitely a victory for people power. In the beginning people said they would never get the council to take the lights away, but this was always an issue of pedestrian safety.

"I'm delighted the cabinet finally accepted that things were not working and it was time to fix the situation. In the mornings a group of up to 20 children stood waiting to cross the road and that was dangerous.

"I hope the roundabout will be here to stay in my view there is nothing more permanent than a temporary structure, just look at Swindon's library."