Pensioner’s Plea: Relocate Tenbury’s Teme Street Bus Stop
A controversy is brewing in Tenbury over the relocation of a bus stop on Teme Street, with a pensioner calling for its immediate relocation. Malcolm Lloyd, a concerned local resident, has expressed his disappointment and frustration over the decision to move the bus shelter from its former location outside the Regal Cinema to a site near the former Lloyds Bank.
According to Mr Lloyd, the new location has compromised the safety of pedestrians and may contribute to congestion in the town. "Up until a few years ago, the bus stop was positioned in a ‘central and wide’ section of Teme Street, where I said it did not impede traffic," he explained. However, with the bus stop now situated near Tesco, Mr Lloyd fears that it has created a "potential bottleneck" for vehicles. The Ludlow Advertiser has learned that Mr Lloyd is not alone in his concerns, with many residents expressing similar worries about the new location.
The Ludlow Advertiser understands that the bus stop was relocated as part of the public realm works in 2016, with a working party agreeing on the new location following advice from Worcestershire County Council Officers. A spokesperson for Tenbury Town Council told the Ludlow Advertiser that the location was considered following a request from a member of the public, and members agreed that it remains a "suitable location". However, Mr Lloyd disputes this, arguing that the new location presents "significant drawbacks", including the need for passengers to walk back towards the former location of the bus shelter to cross the road.
"It is my firm belief that the safety of pedestrians and the ease of access for all road users should be primary considerations in any decisions regarding public infrastructure, particularly those involving significant expenditure," Mr Lloyd said. "I am concerned that the current placement prioritises aesthetics over functionality and safety." The Ludlow Advertiser has learned that Mr Lloyd has called on the council to undertake a "thorough review" of the current location and consider relocating it to its previous position.
In response to Mr Lloyd’s concerns, a spokesperson for Tenbury Town Council said that consultation was carried out with traders, who requested additional on-street parking. "Moving the bus stop liberated more parking spaces near The Regal than was taken away from outside the bank, resulting in a net benefit to drivers seeking places to park," they said. "There is a maximum of thirteen buses in a day, which means if there is traffic congestion it is only for a very short period out of the day. For the rest of the day, the bus stop is empty, relieving the traffic congestion at that point. The bus stop is a short distance from the pedestrian crossing in Teme Street."
The Ludlow Advertiser has been informed that the council’s decision was based on a desire to balance the needs of different road users. However, Mr Lloyd remains unconvinced, arguing that the current location is "ill-conceived" and generates "more problems than it resolves". As the debate continues, residents will be watching with interest to see how the council responds to Mr Lloyd’s plea. The Ludlow Advertiser will continue to provide updates on this story as more information becomes available.
The relocation of the bus stop has sparked a heated debate in Tenbury, with many residents expressing their opinions on the matter. The Ludlow Advertiser would like to hear from you – share your thoughts on the issue by writing to us or contacting us through our website.
The issue highlights the challenges faced by local authorities in balancing the needs of different road users. As reported by the Ludlow Advertiser, the council’s decision was based on a desire to provide additional on-street parking, but it remains to be seen whether this goal has been achieved.
Residents can rest assured that the Ludlow Advertiser will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available. In the meantime, the people of Tenbury will be hoping that a solution can be found that works for everyone.
Source: Ludlow Advertiser – Pensioner’s plea: Move Tenbury’s Teme Street bus stop
