Residents of Haydon Wick in Swindon are expressing significant frustration due to the incessant noise from a faulty manhole cover. This steel cover, located at the intersection of Rother Close and Thames Avenue, is reportedly not seated correctly, resulting in a loud clanking sound when vehicles pass over it.
Residents Speak Out About Noisy Manhole Cover
Local residents have shared their experiences regarding the disruptive noise. Paul Head mentioned that the clanking is particularly invasive during the early morning hours. He stated, “You can really hear it at 2 am or 3 am, and you lie there awake for hours, just waiting for the next one. It drives you mad.”
Another resident, Ian Styles, highlighted the problem intensifying with warmer weather. “If you’re outside in the garden or have the windows open, the noise is unbearable,” he said, noting that his wife, who works from home, finds it particularly challenging.
Attempts to Resolve the Issue
The noisy manhole cover was also a point of concern last summer. Thames Water engineers had come out to address a larger drain cover but neglected the smaller, noisy one. Styles recounted, “I asked if they were going to do the little one, but they said it wasn’t on their sheet, so they left it.”
Mr. Head reported the issue back in August 2022. Despite multiple engineer visits—five in total—no effective repair has taken place. “They come, take pictures, and leave without fixing it,” he expressed frustration over the lack of resolutions.
Involvement from Local Councillors
Haydon Wick ward Councillor Stanka Wilson has taken action, reporting that Thames Water recently set up temporary three-way traffic lights to tackle the problem. However, as she mentioned, no actual work was done, and they removed the traffic control measures shortly after.
In light of ongoing concerns, the council has granted a new work permit starting May 2. Cllr Wilson confirmed that Thames Water has revised their plans and intends to conduct operations the following Monday and Tuesday. “They have agreed to provide manual control of the temporary traffic signals on Tuesday morning to minimize traffic disruption,” she added.
Community Outlook
Residents like Mr. Head are hopeful that this time the repairs will finally take place. “It’s a terrible waste of resources to keep coming out but not doing anything about it,” he remarked.
As local elections approach, Cllr Wilson is running for re-election in the Haydon Wick ward, competing against candidates from various parties, including Reform UK, Conservative Party, Liberal Democrats, and Green Party. Their focus on community issues remains crucial as residents await the resolution of the noisy manhole cover problem.
