Bus Stop Dilemma

The congestion in the High Street from traffic and parked cars is a problem made worse by the addition of the two bus services. Tarvin is very well served by 4 buses an hour but when one, or especially both, try and negotiate the High Street and pick up and drop off passengers, the village can come to a temporary standstill.

A couple of years ago the Parish Council conducted a survey of bus users and, together with CW&C, came up with a plan that involved some improvements, including the minor relocation of some bus stops to ease congestion and some new bus shelters in keeping with the Conservation Area.

The bus stop opposite the Post Office was of particular concern as there was no proper pull in for the bus. Also the kerbs in that area are non-existent which leads to some odd parking decisions by motorists. It was suggested that this bus stop be discontinued and that passengers use the stops at Hockenhull Lane end, or the Lower High Street. Despite assurances from CW&C that money was available, nothing happened.

Last year a new member of the Highways team revisited the plans and some things will now happen. It seems that it is impossible to remove a stop from a bus route, presumably without a lengthy legal process, so the bus stop has to stay. A plan for a new layout here has been sent to the Parish Council which, while an improvement, does raise concerns. Not only will the newly defined bus stop remove a couple of parking places, but it will possibly add to the congestion. To the annoyance of the Parish Council, our choice of a new bus shelter appears to have been ignored.

The Parish Council is in something of a dilemma. Having pressed for improvements it is dismayed to find that the design appears to have been completed without reference to local knowledge and the plans have been sent through for comment just before work is due to start.
The Parish Council believes that some minor adjustments could be made and is writing to the Highways Department to see if an acceptable compromise can be reached.