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Adding insult
• OUR transport bosses never cease to amaze me with their lack of public awareness and complete disregard for residents.
Hot on the heels of the debacle that is the 393 bus route extension in Kentish Town comes another threat to the residents of NW5 – only this time it is of staggeringly stupid proportions that many Highgate residents simply cannot believe it.
London Buses has announced that it intends turning the 214 night service from a single-decker to a double-decker bus. For many in Camden this is not unusual and ask what the issue is.
The answer: it goes up Highgate West Hill.
Steep, littered with road humps, and after 6pm with cars parked either side and overhung with trees, this hill has a history of water mains disruption, and other structural issues.
Residents’ groups, individuals and local pressure groups such as the Highgate Society are joining forces on this to halt what is seen as a totally unnecessary service.
The Conservatives are totally against this, as am I.
Do not think London Buses will capitulate on this, it has already run a test journey commenting that apart from some necessary tree pruning (really!) it is not only feasible but the double-decker bus could be extended to a day service as well.
For the residents of Leighton Road and others in Kentish Town this cavalier approach is all too well known.
In the face of tremendous opposition TfL barged through the 393 without a care.
For Highgate residents this is just adding insult to injury – threats to our police station, the closure of our post office and now this. What is needed is a strong voice for the area and not more vapid hot air from councillors who appear busy but deliver little.
Richard Merrin
Conservative candidate in the Highgate by-election
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