Bus from City Centre to New Pool Essential, say Lib Dems (Leeds Liberal Democrats)

Leeds Liberal Democrats <info@leedslibdems.org.uk>

Bus from City Centre to New Pool Essential, say Lib Dems

September 3, 2003 12:00 AM

Half a million visits deserve a proper bus service …………….

Councillor Mark Harris, Leader of the Opposition Liberal Democrat Group on Leeds City Council, has called on the Council to ensure a proper bus service which serves the City Centre to be provided for the South Leeds Stadium Complex. At today's meeting of the Executive Board the Council agreed to spend nearly £4 million pounds (£3.9m) on building a link road to serve the new swimming pool, the new South Leeds High School and the existing South Leeds Stadium facilities. But, they were told that even with this investment there was no commitment from METRO or bus operators that a bus service would be provided to link the City Centre with the complex, instead METRO and bus operators have agreed to provide a service that will connect with routes along Dewsbury Road and along Belle Isle Road.

Cllr Harris said : "We know that people are very unhappy to use bus services when they have to change mid route so I fear that without a direct service from the City Centre at the very least then very few people will use the bus service. In particular those people who have been told they will able to use the new swimming facilities at South Leeds as an alternative to the International Pool will find it virtually inaccessible, particularly for any activity they want to fit in around their working day."

"With over half a million people a year visiting the complex for one activity or another it is ridiculous there is no proper bus service. The addition of the new swimming pool, as well as the South Leeds school will mean even more visits to the area. If the Council is serious about tackling traffic congestion on our roads, and making the facilities accessible to people throughout the City, then they must ensure a proper bus service to the City Centre is provided."