Torbay Labour call for consultation on bus ban in Fleet Street, Torquay

By PRSD, on Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Patrick Canvan on Fleet Street: with £70,000 being spent to repair the street, Torbay Labour is calling for a consultation on a bus ban on Fleet Street, Torquay

As Torbay Council announces temporary repairs to Fleet Street, Torquay, Torbay Labour Party has called for a full and proper consultation on a possible ban on buses there.

Patrick Canavan, Labour’s mayoral candidate told the PRSD: “I recently met with the Town Centre Company to listen to their concerns and the problem of buses in Fleet Street was discussed.

“I am sympathetic to traders’ calls to ban buses, but like the Town Centre Company, I understand re-routing of buses will not be easy – if it was it would have already been done. But the current situation is unsatisfactory.

“The fact the council is paying £70,000 for repairs to the surface is scandalous. You have heavy buses travelling up and down what should be a pedestrian zone. I can understand the attraction of traders and Torquay BID wanting the street to be better laid out for trading with improved street furniture to improve the shoppers’ experience.

“It is not an attractive area for shoppers as it can be confusing – especially for our visitors. An improved Fleet Street would also help to connect Union Street to the Harbour area where we have seen considerable investment with more to come.

“I believe the council, Town Centre Company, bus users and Stagecoach should enter in to discussions to see how alternative routes can be found. We have to find a long term solution as having expensive running repairs makes no economic sense.”

(from a press release)