Residents angry at the rerouting of a much needed bus service are set to hold a public meeting where company bosses will face questioning.
The plan by Stagecoach to reroute their X1 service has enraged Derriford residents who say that it will mean anyone from the Powisland Drive estate who wants to catch the bus would need to walk to Runway Road or Derriford Hospital – which Stagecoach argue is within walking distance.
Protesters recently walked from the church to Runway Road to highlight the journey time and terrain they would be facing when the changes are implemented.
Dr Marion Nash, one of the protesters, told The Herald at the time: “It’s been said by Stagecoach that we can walk to the hospital for the X1, but many of our community cannot do that.
“We have a care home on this road and they won’t have as many visitors if these changes continue. Also many people won’t be able to go to Argyle matches from here because the 14 doesn’t go in that direction.
“Stagecoach have not had a public consultation over these changes and there have been no notices on buses or bus stops.”
Dr Nash said that Stagecoach directors Robert Williams and Bob Dennison have agreed to meet with residents at a public meeting and answer questions.
She said: “We are strongly asserting that there is one voice and it includes everyone affected by the X1 withdrawal and changed route.
“Therefore at our Derriford meeting we have invited two Tavistock councilors to join us and we will ask the Stagecoach directors for their decisions made after that last meeting. “We will then go on to press for answer to our situation in Derriford where we have no direct link to a bus to Yelverton and Tavistock and no direct access to the bus Hub at Derriford Hospital.
“Ironically we live so close to the hospital but can’t get there by bus!
“We will have a question and answer session after the formal meeting with them.
“We have invited local residents and bus users to the United Reformed Church hall in Powisland Drive for a question and answer session from 11.45am to 12.45pm on Monday October 16.”
Dr Nash said the rerouting is not just affecting residents.
She said: “Girls at Notre Dame school are walking along an isolated road because of the rerouting of the X1
“There have been concerns about girls walking from Runway Road in their journey to and from Notre Dame girls school whereas when they had the Powisland Drive bus stop it was ideal.
“It is an isolated route along Runway Road.
“The traffic is busy and described as tricky to cross. As winter approaches the situation will not improve.
“We have also invited a senior member of staff of Notre Dame to attend the meeting with Stagecoach on Monday. Along with our councillors to support us, Johnny Mercer MP will be represented.”
Article originally appeared on Plymouth Herald
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