Sit-down protest while buses clog side roads

The protest on Monday evening forced buses to reverse from Seaton Avenue, Tupsley, and police were called to the scene.

The Tupsley sit-in was fuelled by concerns over road safety, but elsewhere in the city there have been protests over the confusion that reigned during what was supposed to be the dawn of a new era in Hereford bus transport.

There were reports of pensioners boarding the wrong buses and of passengers having to get off buses when they discovered they were heading where they didn't want to go.

The problems arose as bus company First, whose motto is 'transforming travel', launched its new 'Over Ground' network - an overhaul that had earlier been welcomed in a statement by Hereford MP Paul Keetch who stressed the importance of a good service.

In the release it was stated that there would be 'enhanced frequencies, marketing investment, branded vehicles and new brochures and timetables with colour coded routes'.

Seeing buses threading through their streets every 10 minutes, incensed residents in Seaton Avenue and adjoining Whitehouse Way who claimed their roads were being used for the company's convenience - as a turning bay. They pointed out there were no bus stops in the roads and no purpose for the vehicles going there.

Tupsley councillor Bill Walling said he received his first call of complaint at 8.20 am on Monday and later "all the world and his wife" rang to express their "considerable indignation and annoyance".

He added: "There was no consultation with people living in the area or people like me. Whitehouse Way is unsuitable as a route - there's little off-street parking and there's a kink in the road. It is just ludicrous."

There was confusion at the city's bus station - elderly women having to get off buses no longer travelling to their area and some being told they were in the wrong place entirely to use services heading south of the city.

Traffic inspector Phillip Paul was drafted in to hand out timetables and assist passengers with finding the right bus. He described the chaos as an accident waiting to happen but assured onlookers it was just teething problems and he would be at the bus station all week.

"It is the initial shock - people have had the same routes for the last 15 years. This is a good idea in principal but it is just getting people used to it,'' he said.

Shambles

Other passengers described the services as a 'shambles' and many had to wait for more than half an hour, missing appointments. Some found the buses do not go to the County Hospital, which meant a lengthy walk for the less mobile.

Waiting for a bus at the city Tesco was Anthea Dean from Whitecross. She was concerned she would no longer be able to get her elderly friend's shopping.

Walking her dog on Monday, Tupsley councillor Marcelle Lloyd-Hayes was approached by people concerned about the changes. Her answer machine was 'jam-packed' with calls.

She said: "I don't think the private bus companies treat the public very well - there's no consultation whatsoever. If this city is serious about regeneration it should not be tinkering like this."

Spokesman for First, David Maciejewski, said: "During the first few days of such a major network re-working we strive to ensure that all members of the public are fully aware of changes to their bus services

"We understand that there has been a degree of uncertainty but would wish to reassure all our customers that all queries and issues surrounding their bus services will be looked at on an individual basis.

"Information on Hereford Overground will be distributed to every household within Hereford City. Timetable leaflets, maps and fare information are available from agents and offices at: Hereford TIC King Street, Yeomans Canyon Travel at the County Bus Station and from drivers and inspectors''.

Mr Maciejewski confirmed that First would be conducting a presentation of the new Overground Network to members of the Tupsley ward at the request of Councillor Lloyd-Hayes.