Where Is Our New Bus Shelter in Willingdon?
Where has our bus shelter gone?
Residents have raised concerns over the delay in replacing a bus shelter on A2270 Eastbourne Road at the Triangle bus stop in Willingdon, after the existing shelter was removed several months ago.
When the old shelter was demolished, some residents were pleased to hear that a modern replacement would be provided. Others questioned the decision to remove the existing shelter, saying that although it showed some signs of subsidence and was no longer in the best condition, they believed it still had several years of useful life remaining.
However, several months later, residents are now asking when the new shelter will actually be installed, particularly with winter approaching.
Some residents have also contacted local councillor Cllr Stephen Shing to ask who is responsible for the shelter and why local residents were not informed before it was removed.
Following the concerns raised with him, Cllr Shing checked the list of Eastbourne Borough Council-managed bus shelters and was surprised to find that the Triangle bus stop shelter on the A2270 Eastbourne Road in Willingdon is listed as being managed by Eastbourne Borough Council.
Cllr Shing said: “I was surprised to discover that this bus shelter in Willingdon is managed by Eastbourne Borough Council. As a local councillor for Willingdon, I can understand why residents are confused about who is responsible for it.
Our local government arrangements are already complicated, with residents dealing with Willingdon and Jevington Parish Council, Wealden District Council and East Sussex County Council. It is therefore important that residents are clearly informed when another authority is responsible for a facility in their community.
I understand the reasons for wanting to replace older bus shelters with modern, accessible facilities. However, I share residents’ concerns about the timing.
The Council was able to remove the old shelter relatively quickly, but several months later residents are still waiting for the replacement. With winter approaching, this is particularly concerning for elderly residents and anyone who relies on public transport.
I would like to know why the old shelter was removed before the replacement was ready, what information was given to local residents, and when the new shelter at the Triangle stop will actually be installed.
In future, where a replacement facility is planned, I believe the old shelter should, wherever it is safe and practical to do so, remain in place until the replacement is ready. At the very least, residents should be given clear information about the timetable.
Residents should not have to wait months without adequate shelter while a replacement is being manufactured. I will continue to press for answers and for the new shelter to be installed as soon as possible.”
The concerns come as work to replace bus shelters across Eastbourne and surrounding areas continues, with residents hoping that the remaining replacements will be completed before the colder and wetter winter weather arrives.
The Herald has approached Eastbourne Borough Council for comment.