Businesses call for Sandbach town centre bus stop to be moved to prevent further accidents
By Deborah Bowyer
2nd Jun 2023 | Local News
Business owners in Sandbach are calling for a bus stop to be moved after a second car was hit by a bus pulling into the bus stop.
(Photo: Helen Ireland)
Owner of Helen's Emporium (above with her damaged car) watched her VW Passat shake as a D & G bus clipped it after it was parked outside her shop in Congleton Road.
Helen Ireland's car after the accident (Photo: Helen Ireland)
The horrified business owner turned round to see her vehicle 'shaking' after the wheel arch was clipped, the tyre burst and the bumper fall off.
"I always park well back from the bus stop to allow buses plenty of room to pull in," she said.
(Photo: Helen Ireland)
"I just couldn't believe it. The bumper was hanging off and the tyre burst. I had to get it towed away and now have a hire car.
"The bus stop should be moved. It's just not safe. What difference would it make if all the buses used the one nearby? We don't need two bus stops."
(Photo: Sandbach Nub News)
Fellow business owner, Alex Demain, says he's worried about people stepping into the road after getting off the bus outside his coffee shop, 'The House'.
"It makes no sense to have two bus stops. We watch people getting off buses outside and then going to cross the road which is busy," he said.
"It's a dangerous road and we're worried someone is going to get hurt. People are walking behind the bus to cross the busy road."
In a separate unrelated incident involving another bus company, fellow trader, Steph Hammond who runs Barberelle barber's shop also in Congleton Road, had her car damaged by a bus.
She faced a damaged wing and alloy on her tyre after a bus, also using the Congleton Road bus stop, hit her car.
D & G Bus company has apologised for the damage to Helen Ireland's car. The other business owner's car was damaged by a different bus company.
"We apologise for any inconvenience caused to Ms. Ireland and assure you that we take matters like this seriously," said Keith Myatt, Head of Business Development at The Centrebus Group, D&G Bus Limited.
"We regret to hear about the damage caused to Ms. Ireland's car. Our priority is to ensure the safety of all road users and passengers, and incidents like this are not reflective of the standards we strive to uphold.
"Regarding the request to move the bus stop, we understand the concerns of the local business owners, including the neighbouring hairdresser.
"We are willing to engage in discussions with the local authority to find a solution that balances the needs of bus users and local businesses.
"However, we believe that careful consideration should be given to the potential impact of relocating the bus stop on the convenience and accessibility of public transportation for the community.
"We are committed to ensuring the safety and satisfaction of our passengers and the community we serve.
Businesses want bus companies to use this bus stop on the other side of the road. (Photo: Sandbach Nub News)
"We will continue to review and improve our procedures to minimize the occurrence of such incidents in the future."
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