Barnstaple Bus Re-routing Plans Canceled Following Local Opposition

The proposal to divert 160 daily buses through a tranquil residential street in Barnstaple has been abandoned due to objections from local residents. Devon County Council had stated that directing buses along Sticklepath Terrace would have reduced travel times to Barnstaple railway station and the town centre; however, residents expressed concerns regarding the safety of children, pedestrians, and cyclists. This initiative formed a component of an £800,000 travel improvement program designed to integrate rail and bus services. Councillor Jeremy Yabsley commented that the outcome represented “a good outcome for democracy.” He further stated: “I very much hope the project can be achieved with the amendment, but there is always a danger, if it is not exactly as it should be, the government may pull the plug on the funding.” He also noted that the allocated funds needed to be utilized by the conclusion of March. According to the Local Democracy Reporting Services (LDRS), Barnstaple station accommodates approximately 540,000 rail passengers annually and is serviced by 280 buses every weekday. Upon the advertisement of the traffic regulation order, 73 individuals formally objected to the proposed re-routing, and 108 people endorsed petitions opposing it. Councillor Caroline Leaver, who put forward the amendment, asserted that the council had formulated these plans without adequately considering the consequences for road safety or the concerns of local inhabitants. She remarked: “It needs to be safe for everyone and that road is well-used by cyclists to get to the Tarka Trail, which is the second most important reason people give for coming to north Devon.” Jane Steeley, a resident of Sticklepath Terrace, stated that transforming the peaceful cul-de-sac into a primary thoroughfare would have “been carnage.” She elaborated: “There are massive safety issues, children play outside here at weekends and people walk their dogs and there are lots of cats here.” For updates, BBC Devon can be followed on X, Facebook, and Instagram. Story submissions are welcome at spotlight@bbc.co.uk. This material is Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external websites. Further details on the BBC’s external linking policy are available.