Lib Dems condemn Metroline bus garage (Islington Liberal Democrats)

Islington Liberal Democrats <Islington_ld@cix.co.uk>

Lib Dems condemn Metroline bus garage

December 6, 2002 12:00 AM

Local Lib Dem councillors have challenged a recent report on BBC London news programme in which the Director of Metroline was seen promoting their buses and the apparent high standards of driving on them. However whilst they may have good drivers local Lib Dems have condemned them for being bad neighbours and the damaging impact their bus garage in Holloway has caused the local community. Councillor Kasprzyk has taken up a number of complaints from local residents surrounding the Holloway bus garage near Archway over safety issues, noise disturbance and congestion. The poor performance of the number 10 bus to Archway has been another issue raised. Junction ward councillor, Stefan Kasprzyk said: "This news report couldn't be further from the truth. Metroline and their bus garage has been a nightmare for Holloway. It has a major impact on Holloway every day and Metroline have been unwilling to deal with the problems they cause. "The so-called calibre of their driving has resulted in their buses twice damaging a local pelican crossing near the bus garage which was put there to ease residents concerns. "Both the GLA Liberal Democrat transport spokesperson and us as local Lib Dem councillors have been actively campaigning on behalf of residents to get these problems sorted. Metroline has met with residents and this has generally been positive. But the bottom line is: they have to become better neighbours than they are at the moment. "London does need improved bus services and extra buses but Metroline must start addressing residents' concerns."