Bid to halt bus misery

Residents have produced a series of proposals to try to end the misery caused by buses being driven through their estate.

The Trent Barton Transport service runs through the Tree Estate, Bingham, every 15 minutes as part of its regular route between the town and Nottingham.

The extended service was introduced three years ago and residents say noise created by the buses is disrupting their lives.

They also fear pedestrians are being put at risk as vehicles mount the pavements because the road is not wide enough on corners to take a car and a bus at the same time.

Mr Dave Harley (57) of Willow Road, suggested bollards could be put on corners in the estate to stop drivers mounting the pavements.

He said the company could consider sending the buses to other parts of Bingham so they travelled through the estate less frequently, to give the residents some respite.

Mr Harley supported the suggestion of extending the service to Whatton and Aslockton, meaning the buses had no need to use the estate as a turning point.

Mr Harley said he felt there was a need for the bollards on corners to ensure there were no serious accidents.

“When you see the size of the buses they are basically too big for Willow Road,” said Mr Harley.

“Whether it is tomorrow, next week, next year or in three years’ time, someone will get seriously injured — something will happen.”

Mr Harley works at home and said telephone calls were interrupted by the noise of the buses.

He said the noise was worse when cooling fans came on.

“If you are in the back garden or the windows are open the noise is awful,” said Mr Harley.

“If you are watching the television in the afternoon you have to still turn it up to listen to it properly.”

Mr Harley said Trent Barton had agreed that bus drivers would not exceed 10mph and would not take breaks on the estate, but claimed it had not happened.

Another resident, Mr Ian Hall (69) of Ash Close, said action needed to be taken.

Mr Hall suggested the buses could travel up Tythby Road, along the A52 and to the Grantham Road entrance of Bingham.

As a result, buses would avoid the Tree Estate.

Mr Hall backed an idea to provide a bus terminus and carpark at the Grantham Road entrance to the town.

Bingham Town Council is due to pass on the suggestions and points raised by the residents to Trent Barton Transport.

A spokesman for Trent Barton Transport said when they received any correspondence they would deal with it and respond accordingly.