Buses shock for Newcastle primary school - Councillors taking action

8.05.25pm BST (GMT +0100) Sat 12th Apr 2008

Walkergate Liberal Democrat councillors have expressed their shock today that Go North East are sending buses past a busy primary school. They are concerned about the dangers to children arising from this decision.

Recently the bus company decided to change the route of their 1 and 2 buses. These buses now go past Walkergate Primary School. The company have said that the change is needed for them to serve Brough Park Stadium, Shopping City and B&Q.

However, Councillor Peter Allen said, "There are other routes for the buses to use which aren't near the school and narrow residential streets. Sutton Street isn't designed for this sort of service. It has traffic calming measures precisely because of problems with traffic. Many local people have contacted us saying that there is an accident waiting to happen because of these changes. Residents are concerned, the school is concerned and we're concerned. We're working with council officers to make the bus company see sense."

Local councillors are writing to the Chairman and the Chief Executive of Go Ahead Group on behalf of local residents asking them to reverse the changes.