Local Conservative Councillors have welcomed assurances given by National Express Coventry after they urged a re-think to its plans to use a bendy bus on the number 12 route through Earlsdon.
The 12 route, which serves the University of Warwick and runs through Earlsdon into the city centre, is one of the most popular routes in the city. National Express Coventry had admitted to Councillor Allan Andrews that it was an ‘aspiration’ to use a bendy bus along the route.
Concerns were raised with the City Council’s senior highways engineers about the potential impact on the popular ‘Earlsdon Clock’ roundabout, near the Earlsdon Library, which sits in the middle of a 5-way junction serving 4 busy roads, Earlsdon Avenue North & South, Albany Road and Earlsdon Street. Poplar Road also has access from the roundabout.
Earlsdon Councillor Allan Andrews and Councillor Roger Bailey (Con, Whoberley) launched a campaign to protect the clock roundabout from re-engineering and to urge the bus company not to introduce a bendy bus on the route, following complaints from residents.
National Express Coventry has written to Cllr Andrews and has assured him that there are no plans to introduce a bendy bus along the route, but have admitted that the route is under ‘continual review.’ National Express has told the Councillors that if its decision changes, and they plan to introduce a bendy bus, they will speak to the City Council and to the local community before its introduction.
Commenting, Allan Andrews said: “Firstly, I was surprised when National Express Coventry responded to my enquiries by saying that it was an aspiration of theirs to use a bendy bus for route 12. My immediate concern was for the protection of the iconic clock roundabout which is a local landmark in the Earlsdon community. There are a number of areas along the existing route that would not be appropriate for a bendy bus, including the Belvedere Road/Broadway/Dalton Road/Spencer Avenue area.
“However, I am pleased that there are for now no plans to use a bendy bus on this route and importantly we have had it confirmed that they will consult the local community before any changes are made, so those residents who have signed the petition and emailed me will have a formal opportunity to express their concerns should National Express decide to introduce a bendy bus at some point in the future.”
Adding, Roger Bailey said: “A number of residents in my ward use the number 12 and it is a lifeline for many, as it is such a regular service. I’m very pleased that we have received these assurances on behalf of the community as I know a lot of people were worried about both the clock roundabout and whether the existing route would change.”
“National Express seemed to have listened to the community and backed off from their plans, which is good news.”