Drake Street bus stop campaign petition submitted

A bus 'ghosting' down a bus stop free Drake Street

A petition signed by hundreds of people seeking to reinstate bus stops on Drake Street has been submitted to Rochdale Borough Council and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).

Lawrence Glendinning and Shelly Buxton, who owns Shelly B's café on Drake Street,  started the petition as they want to see the bus stops on Drake Street reinstated after they were removed due to the Metrolink work.

A council spokesman has explained that the decision is not in their control, it is a matter for TfGM. The council spokesperson said: “TfGM has confirmed that they took the decision not to reinstate the bus stop on Drake Street due to traffic safety concerns. The provision of stops is the responsibility of TfGM as they form part of their infrastructure, we would only get involved when TfGM wish to move or provide for the first time a bus stop. It is entirely their decision to remove one.”

However, Council Leader, Councillor Colin Lambert told Rochdale Online that as a bus user, he fully supports the campaign for the reinstatement of the bus stops. He promised he would be in touch with TfGM to add his weight to the petition. Councillor Lambert has also visited Ms Buxton at her café to convey his support.

A TfGM spokesman said: "The bus stops on Drake Street were removed at the start of works to extend Metrolink to the town centre, and the new permanent highways layouts now in place in the town centre mean that the previous stop locations on Drake Street may not be suitable. We are currently assessing the situation with the local highways authority and we’re committed to keeping local businesses informed."

www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/85477/petition-to-reinstate-drake-street-bus-stops-is-gathering-pace