Lifeline hope for York route

11:14am Sunday 11th May 2008

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A THREATENED bus service loop serving the Holly Bank area of York could be thrown a lifeline, the Liberal Democrats claimed today.

Local campaigner Jon Stott surveyed residents on the existing route of First's number 16 bus - Hamilton Drive, Collingwood Drive and Holly Bank Road - to see whether they would back parking restrictions which would allow the First buses to get through the area without delay.

He said the loop was due to cease this weekend, with First citing delays caused by poor parking and obstruction as the main reason for the change.

He said the survey had revealed that the majority of residents would support a unilateral parking restriction when the bus service was running.

"Clearly most residents in the area treasure the bus service and recognise that easy accessibility is important for elderly and disabled residents. Most properties have off-street parking spaces so during the day inconvenience to car owning local residents should be minimal."

Coun Ann Reid, the council's executive member with responsibility for transport issues said that although it might not be possible to save the loop in the short term, she would be asking officers to conduct a formal consultation as quickly as possible. "If residents support the unilateral restrictions then we will pursue their implementation as quickly as possible."

A First spokesman said: "We have already stated that once traffic measures have been put in place in the Holly Bank area then we will look at resuming the previous service.

"We are now looking forward to providing this new timetable and will continue to monitor its success, as well asm any issues raised, in partnership with the council."