Bus Campaign Win Great News For Local People - Teather

7.08.16pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 13th Jun 2008

Local MP Sarah Teather works hard for local residents

Local Liberal Democrat MP for Brent East Sarah Teather has successfully campaigned for the 226 bus to be diverted closer to its normal route along Anson Road.

The bus has been on a lengthy diversion for the past month after a burst water main on Anson Road led to Thames Water closing the road to traffic. Local residents were having to walk long distances to get to temporary bus stops.

Sarah Teather and local Liberal Democrat Councillors collected signatures from local residents and handed them to Thames Water calling for the works to be finished promptly.

Meanwhile, Lib Dem led Brent Council persuaded Transport for London to divert the 226 bus and also agreed to temporarily suspended parking on Olive Road so the diversion could run as close as possible to the original route. Those on Olive Road affected by the parking suspensions park have been allowed to park in neighbouring roads and in the neighbouring parking zone.

Local Liberal Democrat MP for Brent East Sarah Teather said:

"For me, being a Brent MP is all about getting things done for local people. I was very concerned when residents told me how they suddenly had the inconvenience of a long walk to catch a bus that should pass along their street.

"It's really great news that, by working together, we have been able to get the Council to agree to help the bus run along Olive Road. This is much closer to the original route and means that elderly people and those with young children can enjoy having a bus stop on the doorstep again.

"We will now continue to keep up the pressure on Thames Water to finish the works as quickly as possible."

Local Liberal Democrat Councillor for Mapesbury Hayley Matthews said:

"As a local resident I know how reliant local people are on the 226 to get to work or to the shops. It is the only bus within easy walking distance and without it many elderly and disabled residents were being left stranded.

"This new agreement between Brent Council and Transport for London is already making a real difference for residents.

"I am pleased the Council have agreed to let those on Olive Road affected by the parking suspensions park in neighbouring roads."