Penwortham takeaway bus stop row

A bus stop is to be moved from outside a popular Penwortham takeaway, because it is so often blocked by vehicles whose owners have stopped off for something to eat.

The boarding point adjacent to the Andreas fish and chip shop on Liverpool Road will be shifted slightly further south, to opposite the junction with Crookings Lane.

Stringent parking restrictions will be introduced at the relocated stop along with another one, on the opposite side of the road, which will remain in its current position close to Costa Coffee, and where similar problems are occurring.

So-called ‘clearway’ areas will be installed to prevent stopping by other vehicles.  The changes have been given the green light by Lancashire County Council’s cabinet after appeals from bus users and an operator.

However, the measures attracted three complaints from residents, who raised concerns about a loss of parking and the potential impact on the safety of the Crookings Lane junction.

One objector also claimed that the arrival of the bus stop directly outside their property had been estimated by an estate agent to slash the value of the property by around £20,000 – in part as a result of a loss of privacy.

Without identifying which of the complaints he was referring to, cabinet member for highways and transport Rupert Swarbrick said the authority had received a particularly “vociferous objection” to the bus stop plans. He said it had resulted in him commissioning a review of the project, but that he was “satisfied” it was appropriate.

He added:  “Whilst I empathise with their concerns, I believe that the implementation of the scheme won’t have the effect that they possibly project [onto it].”

A report presented to the cabinet meeting noted that concerns over house prices had been raised in relation to similar bus stop changes elsewhere in Lancashire and that there was “no direct evidence” to support them.

“Whilst this concern is taken into consideration by the county council, it must be balanced against the rights and interests of the wider community, which is considered to take priority,” the document stated.

In a statement issued after the meeting, County Cllr Swarbrick said: “It’s important that buses are able to pull in next to the kerb for safety – and particularly so that people with mobility difficulties can make use of the kerb to get on and off the bus.

 “Our cabinet’s decision to introduce clearways for the bus stops on Liverpool Road near the Crookings Lane junction is in response to complaints from a local bus operator, bus users and the local county councillor that parked vehicles frequently prevent buses pulling in.

 “There is often some impact on residents and businesses when putting bus stops in urban areas, which we have considered, however this has to be balanced with the accessibility which public transport provides for the wider community.

 “The clearways will support the ongoing investment in public transport being made through our £41.9m Bus Service Improvement Plan to encourage more people to use the bus by making services more frequent, convenient, reliable and affordable.”