Chadwell Heath residents ‘fighting back’ in ongoing bus stop row

In the latest chapter in an ongoing row between two groups of residents, those living in West View Cottages, Chadwell Heath Lane, Chadwell Heath, have launched a petition demanding its removal.

The bus stop was first removed from outside West View Cottages in 2011 because of safety concerns, leaving residents of two retirement complexes in Rosewood Court and Cunningham Close with a long walk to the nearest southbound stop.

After the issue was raised with Redbridge Council, a pilot stop was installed outside Cunningham Close in October, but withdrawn after complaints.

In May, the council agreed to reinstate the bus stop at its original location after a lengthy campaign by the pensioners.

But West View Cottages residents say noise, litter and antisocial behaviour has blighted them since its installation.

A resident who has lived at West View Cottages all his life, said: “We were totally unaware the bus stop was going to be reinstalled. We got a letter two weeks before its installation.

“Cunningham Close residents had the bus stop outside and they had the audacity to complain about noise and rubbish.

“They don’t want it outside on their doorstep. But they’re happy to have it on our doorstep.”

A resident said the bus stop, which is on the narrow pavement in front of the terraced homes, has led to rubbish being thrown in their front gardens by commuters and noise disturbing them from as early as 5.15am to late at night. He added: “It’s been really stressful and really annoying.”

Residents hope a petition will reinforce their anger.

Councillors sitting on area committee five last month heard from residents who said their parking spaces have been reduced since the installation of the bus stop.

Speaking after the meeting, Labour Cllr Wes Streeting said: “This has been a long-running debate from both sides and is clearly something that residents impacted upon feel deeply about. Unfortunately you can’t please them all.”