Luke Hall MP has welcomed the announcement that a bus stop, allowing a through bus route, will be returning to Thornbury High Street.
Following the MP’s hard-fought campaign, in which he and local residents called for bus services to be reinstated along the High Street, South Gloucestershire Council have today confirmed that this will now happen.
Concerns about accessibility to the High Street were raised by the community, following the recent pedestrianisation measures which were introduced in the town.
Residents had expressed concern about a loss of a direct bus service to the High Street, highlighting that people with mobility concerns could struggle to cross Rock Street, and had raised concerns about the location of an alternative bus stop on Rock Street itself.
Furthermore, local businesses had said that the lack of a bus stop could be a detriment to the flow of customers and people visiting the High Street. Previously, Luke had raised concerns with the Council about people’s access to the High Street, and had helped to secure a review of blue badge parking whilst also preserving a one-way system for collections and deliveries.
However, further action was taken, and with supporting the High Street’s economy and maintaining accessibility for residents at the heart of the campaign, Luke Hall MP joined with the community to press for a bus stop to be returned as soon as possible.
Commenting on the good news, Luke Hall said, “As our local MP, my two key priorities have been ensuring the High Street remains as accessible as possible; and that we continue to support our local businesses through what has been a very turbulent time.”
“Many residents have been in touch with me to voice their valid concerns about their ability to easily access the High Street, particularly for those who are less mobile and have difficulty walking from the nearby car parks and from Rock Street.”
“Reinstating a bus stop was a vital improvement needed for the High Street, and I am very pleased that we have now secured a bus stop, back where it belongs. The next important job is to speak with First Bus and local bus operators, to ensure we get that direct bus route back along the High Street, and I will be continuing to work with South Gloucestershire Council to achieve this as soon as possible."
