Anger at Great Barr bus route scheme

Transport chiefs have revealed proposals to change a bus route in Great Barr – to the dismay of residents who argue the new route could damage their property.

moreCentro wants to adjust the 952 route to incorporate Foden Road.

But residents claim the road is too narrow and are worried buses will not be able to get through and will cause damage. Among those concerned about the plans is great grandfather-of-two Melvyn Martin of nearby Duxford Road.

He said: "It's terrible. You can't get a double-decker down that side road. It is not wide enough."

Mr Martin said similar changes were made to the 52 bus route about 10 years ago, with buses travelling down Turnberry Road, and it led to families' garden walls toppling over because of the vibrations.

He said transport bosses ended up having to widen the road because of the problems.

"If they change this we will have the same thing again," he said.

Under the plans, the 952 will continue up Walsall Road, go past the Co-op and U-turn at the opening by St Paul's Church. It will enter Booths Farm Road and then turn down Foden Road to Beeches Road.

The plans could be introduced as early as next month.

Father-of-one Bob Wild, from Bowman Road, said concerns were raised about increased noise and pollution at a meeting called to discuss the change.

Centro spokesman Mark Langford said routing the 952 along Foden Road is among suggestions for improvements. "It is felt that doing so would improve accessibility in Great Barr, but we would stress that this is a proposal only," he added.

"We are aware of residents' concerns and those views will be taken fully into account when a decision is eventually made."