1 week Ago
A woman is calling for the reinstatement of a bus stop in the city centre. The 88-year-old woman from Hove, who wishes to remain anonymous, says Brighton and Hove City Council must bring back the stop in Western Road, Brighton, near Poundland, as the elderly and disabled struggle to travel there. She says the walk from the nearest bus stop to shops like Poundland is too long for those struggling with mobility issues.
She said: “None of us can get down there. “We can’t do it. It’s a hell of a walk.
“The elderly like to get to Primark and Poundland especially with the cost of living crisis these days. “The attitude towards elderly people is a disgrace. I'm really angry.
" She raised her concerns with the council, but said her request was refused due to the increase in congestion the reinstatement would cause. The next bus stop near Waitrose in Western Road (Image: Google) She argues that congestion affects the city centre regardless, particularly on North Street. Councillor Trevor Muten, cabinet member for transport, parking and public realm at Brighton and Hove City Council, said: “I completely sympathise with this resident and accessibility is incredibly important to this council.
“Our bus network plays a vital role in helping people visit all parts of our city and we benefit from a lot of very closely spaced bus stops. READ MORE: New 3D maps aim to improve accessibility at Sussex railway stations “However, we do also have to balance regularity of stops with other considerations and this stop was removed in early 2023 after discussions with local bus operators. “The decision was taken to help the flow of buses and other traffic along Western Road and took into account nearby stops at Waitrose and Churchill Square, the nearest of which is just 150 metres from the former stop.
“We had considered a trial period whereby a stop would be temporarily added near Castle Street, but after consulting with the bus operators, the decision was taken to keep two stops in this immediate area rather than three. “This stop has not been active for some time now and there are no current plans to reinstate it.” The Argus found that it takes approximately six minutes to walk from the bus stop at Churchill Square to the next one outside Waitrose.
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