Roadworks leave passengers strandedPassengers using the number 11 bus have been left stranded after the service diverted from Nunnery Lane to Scarcroft Road has been left with no bus stops. Micklegate councillor Julie Gunnell said she was disappointed at the news:

"Passengers who want to alight the bus on Nunnery Lane were facing a long walk to get to where they wanted to be, due to a lack of temporary bus stops on Scarcroft Road. There has been no stop between the station and Southlands Chapel on Bishopthorpe Road, which I regard as unacceptable. This was leaving those with mobility problems far too far to walk and I asked council officers if a temporary stop could be introduced part way along Scarcroft Road".

The diversion of the no. 11 bus has arisen following roadworks on Nunnery Lane which are scheduled to continue for a further two weeks. But after raising the problem with council officers, Coun. Gunnell said progress has been made. She said:

"Officers have spoken with First and the bus operator has instructed its drivers to set passengers down upon request at any stop between the station and Bishopthorpe Road, and I welcome the company's positive and quick response to this problem. I'm still a little concerned this issue wasn't considered in the first instance but pleased passengers will not have to struggle as some have been doing".

Labour's Children and Young People's Services spokesperson, Coun. Dave Merrett said the location of bus stops for those attending All Saints School is also important:

"I welcome First's provision of a temporary stop outside the Bar Convent in place of the stop by All Saint's Lower School side gate given All Saints' city wide catchment area. It is important pupils alight as close to the school as possible on the important local bus services they use to get there".

Fellow ward councillor, Sandy Fraser added:

"We already have had complaints when the bus going towards town was permanently diverted from Nunnery Lane several years ago, and routed up Scarcroft Road instead. There is quite a concentration of elderly residents on the St Benedict's Road estate, which includes the Barstow House sheltered housing, and in Dale Street and Swann Street. Over the years we have, so far unsuccessfully, made approaches to the bus company to restore the route to go up Nunnery Lane towards town, as many of the more infirm residents find it quite a trek to Scarcroft Road, to catch the bus. This, albeit temporary, diversion of the bus coming from town, will only add to these difficulties and distress."