U-turn over Black Country bus routes as plan sparks uproar
Transport bosses have made a U-turn on proposals to change a bus route after the plans were met with dismay from residents. Centro had originally announced it may adjust the 952 route.
The changes concerned Foden Road, but residents in Great Barr claimed the road is too narrow and were worried buses would not be able to get through and would cause damage. But now it has been announced that the route will not be changed to include the road, after the company listened to the residents' concerns raised at a neighbourhood forum attended by around 80 people last month.
Centro spokesman Peter Cameron: "As part of our bus network review we held ext-ensive public consultations to get the views of passengers, councillors and bus operators.
"Following the consultation, one proposal put forward by National Express was to reroute the 952 along Foden Road in order to cut journey times for passengers travelling along this route. However discussions were held to hear the concerns of local residents and councillors and it was decided that this change would not take place."
The announcement has been met with relief from residents in the area.
Father-of-one Bob Wild, from nearby Bowman Road, said concerns had been raised about increased noise and pollution at the meeting of Booths Farm Neighbourhood Forum on April 25.
After the Centro announcement, he said: "It's an excellent result. I think generally residents are very pleased that the route is not going to involve Foden Road, which is far too narrow. There was all sorts of problems with the plan."
There will be a slight amendment to the bus route for users, as the service will now operate via Thornbridge Road and Hassop Road in both directions instead of doing a loop in that area. Centro said the change will improve access to the Booth's Farm Road area for passengers.
A number of other changes have been made to the area's routes, including the addition of a new 936 service between Brownhills, Aldridge, Pheasey and Birmingham which take effect from Sunday, June 9.
Centro chairman Councillor John McNicholas said: "We have worked closely with Birmingham and Walsall councils and the bus operators to provide a bus network that reflects the needs of passengers in this area."
