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Allan
Wilson MSP
News - Press
Releases - 2004
NAC Relocates
Chapelhill Mount, Ardrossan bus stop - 9th February 2004 |
 North
Ayrshire Council are to re-locate a controversial bus stop at Chapelhill
Mount, Ardrossan, following representations from local councillor Margaret
Munn and a site meeting between senior Council officials and local MSP,
Allan Wilson.
Mr Wilson obtained a meeting with the Council after receiving a petition
from local residents demanding the bus stop be moved downhill. He told the
Herald: "I am very pleased that the council has responded so quickly to a
sensible counter-proposal.
"They now propose to re-locate the bus stop to the foot of the hill after
consultation with the community and the Council will also take steps to
rectify drainage problems caused by water leaking onto the footpath above
the bus stop,” said Mr Wilson.
"This will mean that elderly residents will not have to climb the hill to
catch the bus while safety concerns about the surface water on the footpath
will also be addressed - two good results," said Mr Wilson.
He continued: "The Council will also create more off-street parking to take
account of the increased traffic flow on Dalry Road following the completion
of the new by-pass, thereby preventing congestion for buses turning in to
Chapelhill Mount." said Mr Wilson.
"I am also grateful to the Herald for highlighting the problems which have
been caused to local residents by buses running their engines when they are
stationary at the top of the hill."
"The Council have now exercised the powers which - as it happens - I piloted
through the Scottish Parliament as Environment Minister last year to
instruct bus companies that action will be taken if they don't switch off
their engines, as required by the new law, when their vehicles have stopped
at their stand.
"This will bring relief to local residents by preventing the noise nuisance
and air pollution caused by buses when they are parked at the top of the
hill " said Mr Wilson.
Brian Wilson MP, who also supported the residents' case, said: "This is a
very good outcome which not only resolves the bus stop issue but also deals
with other related concerns which our constituents in Ardrossan have
raised,"
The news was welcomed by local Ardrossan Councillor Margaret Munn who has
met with Strathclyde Passenger Transport (SPT) to discuss Traffic Management
at the top of Chapelhill Mount, while Allan Wilson was pressing the case
with Council officials.
Mrs Munn said: "These developments will be welcomed by local people who were
concerned that the sitting of the stops and the number of buses now using
the route could cause congestion and safety problems for residents and bus
passengers, particularly the elderly, who will use the enhanced service.
"I will continue to explore, along with the Council and SPT, further
improvements to the sitting of stops and the introduction of speed
restrictions further up Chapelhill Mount, This will complement the action
being taken by the Council to enforce environmental restrictions which
prevent bus drivers from running their engines when stationary." |
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