ON THE morning of Britain's historic departure from the EU, the Adver has been speaking with some of those residents who cast their votes yesterday.

Aleks Sienkiewicz, 33, of Wallingford, Oxfordshire, said: “I think it’s a big mistake. I don’t think people have realised what they have voted for. It’s a protest against immigration and they don’t realise what they’re getting. I think it’s been a horrible campaign from Leave that has just played to people’s fears but, then again, Remain has been equally as bad. The whole thing started out as a fight amongst the Conservative party and now we’re all paying the price for Cameron trying to keep his party together.”

Matthew Roberts, 28, of West Swindon, said: “I think this is the best chance we have to make a serious change, we’ve been given a great opportunity. I’m not saying this is necessarily the answer but at least we can now have some control over immigration. For me it’s more about opportunities. Now we can get some money back from the EU to improve our country and spend it how we like, on the things that matter to people. I voted Labour in the last election so it may have been a protest vote from me to get rid of Cameron.”

Emma Porter, 38, of Wroughton, said: “It’s a bit scary really, isn’t it? I don’t think we’ll know the effects for a long time and it’s all speculation at the moment. I voted to leave but it was a last minute decision. For me it wasn’t to do with immigration, more for jobs and the economy. I suppose Cameron’s decision to step down was only to be expected as he was on the losing side, it would have been a bit hypocritical for him to have stayed. I’m not sure who will replace him but I suppose we’ll get who we get.

Martin Dandridge, 62, of Old Town, said: “It’s a disastrous decision. I think it’s the isolation of Britain from the rest of the world. I’m pro-Europe and pro-immigration because I believe it makes us stronger and I think Europe has made an enormous contribution to peace and security over the last 40 years. I have been a lifetime Labour supporter but I’m sorry to see Cameron go because I think he has been a good, strong statesman – maybe he’s a victim of Boris’s political ambitions. Although it does make you think, with the US elections coming up, if we can vote for this, what will the Americans vote for?”

Eddie Iles, 25, of North Swindon, said: “I have spoken to a few friends and they’re really disappointed with the result because they have come here from abroad and they don’t know what will happen to them. I think leaving was a mistake and will prove to be a bad choice for the country. I don’t really have any strong views myself and I don’t know who’s going to replace Cameron, but I don’t think we’re in a good position now.”

Dee Vaughan, 65, of Old Walcot, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled, it’s a fantastic result. I think we can do so much better on our own. It’s a shame that Cameron has resigned but we need someone who is enthusiastic about it. Boris has spoken really well over the past few weeks and it seems he is the most likely to succeed Cameron, but I wouldn’t like to say for certain at this stage. In terms of the two campaigns, I think there has been almost too much information and we’re not necessarily in a position to judge between facts and fiction. But at the end of the day, at least we won’t be dictated to by Brussels anymore.”