Chadwell Heath pensioners demand action after being stranded without ‘lifeline’ bus stop for over a year
Dozens of pensioners living in a Chadwell Heath retirement complex say they have lost their independence since the removal of a “lifeline” bus stop.
Residents of Cunningham Close and Rosewood Court gathered at the Area Five Committee meeting at Mayfield School, in Pedley Road, Goodmayes, yesterday evening to demand action.
They previously came to the committee in July last year but a permanent bus stop has still not been installed.
Rosewood Court resident Doreen Liddle said residents are unable to go out as much as they used to.
She added: “It’s not a big issue for everyone but it’s a big issue for us.”
Rose Shafer said the walk to remaining bus stops was “a long distance” for elderly and disabled people and Phyllis Santer told how she had to spend most of her pension on taxis to visit her ill husband in Queen’s Hospital.
Lisa Lennard said: “That bus route is a lifeline – without it people will be alone in their flats and they will be very unhappy.
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“I’m sure something can be done, please help us.
“We don’t want to be stuck in our rooms for the rest of our lives.”
The nearest stop, outside West View Cottages, Chadwell Heath Lane, was removed in January 2011 by Transport for London (TfL) after warnings that cars parking in the stop were forcing buses to let passengers board in the middle of the road.
A new pilot stop was put in place outside Cunningham Close in October but was withdrawn after complaints from residents.
There is now no southbound stop between Little Heath and 199 Chadwell Heath Lane.
A report on possible new sites for the stop was promised in a previous meeting in July but although highways manager Mike Woodward said work had been done by TfL, no proposals have been put forward.
Mr Woodward said the previous sites outside Westview Cottages or Cunningham Close were the only viable options, despite ideas by residents.
Cllr Wes Streeting said there will be “winners and losers” whatever site is chosen and called for a report into “all the options”.
Chairman Cllr Barbara White called on TfL and the council to urgently prepare a report.
