Lib Dem councillor for Stroud Green Laura Edge has joined with local residents in Chettle Court and the surrounding area to object to plans by London Buses to reroute the W5 bus to take out the loop past Harringay Station, N4.

Cllr Edge delivered a letter to London Buses along with a petition signed by over one hundred bus users and people living on the loop which was arranged by a resident in Chettle Court assisted by Cllr Edge and local Lib Dem activists.

The loop diverts the bus off Oakfield Road via Stapleton Hall Road, past Harringay Station before rejoining Oakfield Road. London Buses believe there is little demand for the loop and removing it will make the route faster.

However in her letter Cllr Edge expresses her deep concern at the poor quality of consultation carried out by London Buses and says that they are overlooking the value of the service to local residents in the area, many of whom are elderly, disabled or have young children and rely on the hail and ride service as it provides easier access to local amenities and the Whittington Hospital.

She is also concerned that many of the W5 bus drivers are already missing the loop out if no-one on the bus requires any of the stops – leaving those on the loop waiting for longer periods.

Cllr Edge (Stroud Green) comments:

“At a time when Londoners are being told to use public transport it seems counter-productive to break this valuable link. I hope that this letter and petition demonstrate the clear opposition to the plans and makes London Buses reconsider.”