Local Conservative Councillors have called on National Express Coventry to re-think its plans to use a bendy bus on the number 12 route through Earlsdon, which has come to light following enquiries made by Earlsdon Councillor Allan Andrews.
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 have admitted to Councillor Allan Andrews that it is an ‘aspiration’ to use a bendy bus along the route.
Concerns have been 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) have 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.
Commenting, Allan Andrews said: “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 and for the wider prospect of re-engineering of the roundabout.
“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, and as such I am concerned that there might be further plans to change the route, which would have a detrimental impact on many residents in Earlsdon. I am urging National Express Coventry to meet with me, to provide full details about their plans and to have a full, and proper, public consultation in the community before making any changes to the type of bus used or indeed to the route itself.”
Adding, Roger Bailey said: “Many residents in my ward use the number 12 and it is a lifeline for many into and out of the city centre as it is such a regular service. I do not see how a bendy bus is sensible for this route and would ask the bus company to provide more details about their proposals.”
The online petition can be signed by visiting: http://epetitions.coventry.gov.uk/2012/04/no-to-a-bendy-bus-on-route-12-through-earlsdon/ and is also available to sign in paper form at Taylors Butchers in Earlsdon Avenue North and Tinderbox Toys in Earlsdon Street.