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Regret that complaints should have been made so soon after the much-needed extension for the bus service to High Park Estate had been arranged on an experimental basis was expressed by Cllr. Clifford Coates, chairman of Bideford Town Council’s Highways Committee.

24.11.1972 Bus service deplored

If people would use their garages or hard standing to park their cars there would be no problem, he said.

The Council were told that the Western National Omnibus Co. Had written pointing out that in the interest of road safety they had on this new service avoided the reversing of one-man operated buses. If the bus stop in the vicinity of a house were withdrawn – and they would agree to this – intending passengers would have to board at the terminus or at the entrance to High Park Estate, and there would be no stops in front of dwellings.

The letter added that it was not possible to provide a morning service for schoolchildren as this would mean obtaining an additional vehicle solely for the purpose. And so far as the children’s return in the later after-noon was concerned a bus left Bideford at 16.30 hours. The previous journey left Bideford at 15.50 hours and no doubt this would be too early even if consideration were given to extending it to High Park.

PLAY AREA FENCE

A letter was read from the Chief Supt. of Police, Barnstaple, suggesting it would not be prudent, after so short a time, for him to recommend re-siting of the previously agreed stops. Should the bus company prefer alternatives, however, he would be prepared to consider their suitability.

The Council agreed that the bus stop in front of the house should be removed; and that an economically-priced fence should be erected along the edge of the play area subject to any necessary consents being secured.

Gazette article dated 24 November 1972

 

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