Sarah Teather Backs 226 Bus Campaign

4.06.06pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 20th May 2008

Brent's Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Teather has backed the local campaign to restore the 226 Bus to it's normal route along Anson Road.

The bus has been on diversion for the past month after a burst water main on Anson Road stopped the bus to being able to pass.

Local Councillors, including Liberal Democrat Hayley Matthews, have been leading the campaign and are collecting signatures from local residents hit as a result of the road closure and bus route diversion. The petition will be sent to Thames Water urging them to complete the works as a priority.

Local Liberal Democrat MP for Brent East Sarah Teather said:

"Local people are fed up of having the inconvenience of a long walk to catch a bus that should pass along their street. It's particularly difficult for the elderly and those with young children, who normally enjoy having a bus stop on the doorstep.

"Thames Water have had the road fenced off for well over a month, with little sign of the works being completed any time soon. They must listen to local people and promise to complete these works as soon as they can, so that the 226 bus can once again pass along Anson Road.

Local Liberal Democrat Councillor for Mapesbury, Hayley Matthews said:

"As a local resident I know how reliant local people are on the 226 to get to work or to the shops. It is the only bus within easy walking distance and without it many elderly and disabled residents have been left stranded.

"We have been trying to put pressure on London Buses to shorten the diversion of the 226 or to provide a shuttle bus service while Thames Water complete the works. Local residents are rightly frustrated and it's high time something was done to improve the situation."

Notes:

The petition reads: "We the undersigned back Sarah Teather's campaign to bring back the 226 bus. We call on Thames Water to complete their works on Anson Road without further delay and for London Buses to restore the service as soon as possible."