State Member for Wallsend, Ms Sonia Hornery MP, has called on the City of Newcastle to fulfil its promise to provide appropriate seating for the temporary bus stops in Kokera Street, Wallsend.
More than 4 weeks after the start of works to replace the Tyrrell Street Bridge, the temporary bus stops on Kokera Street have been left without proper seating and commuters have been forced to use overturned shopping trolleys as seating.
Ms Hornery’s office met with Transport operators and Council staff 4 weeks ago and promises were made for adequate seating to be installed, but so far only 6 cheap plastic seats have been provided.
Ms Hornery has written to the Lord Mayor asking her to step in and get Council staff to take some action.
Quotes attributable to Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery
“The situation is unbelievable. After 4 weeks we still have elderly residents sitting on overturned shopping trolleys and cheap plastic seats, despite assurances from Council staff that appropriate seating would be installed.”
“A meeting was held 4 weeks ago with Transport operators and Council staff after concerns were raised about the lack of temporary infrastructure that was in place, following the closure of Tyrrell Street and the rerouting of buses had commenced.”
“Assurances were given that bench seating would be put in place as the area could not accommodate a full bus shelter.”
“My office has been inundated with calls and complaints from shop owners, the transport companies and commuters about the lack of seating.”
“I have written to the Lord Mayor asking her to step in and take some action on behalf of the commuters in Wallsend.”
“Cheap plastic seats are not good enough and commuters deserve better.”