Villagers back buses petition

12:44pm Tuesday 6th May 2008

Comments (5)   Have your say »

By Matt Maher »

Residents fighting for improved bus services in Romsley have collected nearly 80 signatures in their support of their plans.

People living on Farley Lane, Winwoodheath Road and Quantry Lane claim their twisting roads are dangerous for pedestrians and say they put their lives at risk when walking to the nearest bus stop on Bromsgrove Road.

They want the 007 service, which runs between Bromsgrove and Merry Hill and is operated by Central Connect, to change routes and begin stopping by their homes.

Speaking at a meeting of Romsley parish council on Monday April 14, head petitioner Jim Higgins asked for services to be diverted for a trial period.

He said: "If anybody has ever walked up Farley Lane they know it is not a pleasant walk.

"There have been a number of near misses - we fear someone will be knocked down by a passing vehicle.

"This puts off some residents from using the bus; some are not able to walk that far and have to rely on other residents for lifts or use taxis."

Campaigners have received support from the owners of Daleswood caravan park and now plan to use their petition to lobby the district council for support.

Uffdown ward councillor David Hancox said he understood the residents' concern but said they needed to focus their attention on speaking to the bus company.

Cllr Hancox said: "The best hope is if the bus company are able to get a subsidy from the county council.

"Winwoodheath Road is quite steep and there is nowhere to turn which could be a problem."

Central Connect declined to comment on the matter.

Do you believe the 007 bus service should be diverted? Make your views known by clicking on this story at www.halesowennews.co.uk and posting a comment, or vote in our web ballot.