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Search forOn the road to nowhere, a bus stop where there's no bus route
Monday, November 03, 2008, 09:00
The bus-stop which was built as part of the new Tesco store even has its own special dedicated bus-lane — but the stop is not on any bus routes.
Baffled resident 69-year-old Linda Grinter said: "The bus stop is outside the new Braunton store but it is not on a bus route. From October 26 there will be four buses running to Barnstaple from the Saunton Park Estate in Braunton and not one of them is scheduled to divert up Velator Drive to the new Tesco.
"Those people without transport have a very long walk from Braunton village to the new Tesco, especially as they will be carrying heavy bags on their return — old people in particular find it impossible to access the store if they have no transport."
But Tesco say the onus lies with Devon County Council, to organise the buses.
Tesco spokeswoman Melanie Chiswell explained: "Discussions are taking place between the local authority and bus operators with a view to developing a local bus partnership, which would co-ordinate the future provision of services within the residential areas surrounding the development site.
"Tesco will make a £350,000 public transport contribution towards the improvement of public transport facilities, within the vicinity of the development in five equal instalments of £70,000."
She added: "It looks to me like the ball appears to be in the county council's court for the provision of a new service to the store, and Tesco are merely expected to pay monies to support this facility."
A Devon County Council spokesman said: "As part of the planning agreement with Tesco there is some funding towards provision of a bus service to the store and we are currently discussing options with bus operators. We would hope that a route to the store can be introduced in the new year."
Tesco Braunton bus stop
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