PENSIONERS and families who say they will be left isolated if two vital bus routes change are hopeful their concerns are finally being listened to.

Last summer, News Shopper reported how people from the Brooklands Park Estate in Kidbrooke faced being cut off by changes to the B16 and 178 routes, due to be made as part of the £1bn Ferrier estate redevelopment.

A petition signed by 300 people in 24 hours against the proposals, which will see Tudway Road and Moorhead Way closed off for good, was presented to Greenwich Council last week (Jan 30) by ward councillor Clare Morris.

Residents are now asking Transport for London (TfL) to reconsider the proposals to axe their vital bus stop outside Wingfield School.

Dolly Wylie, 53, said: "Residents are outraged. This bus stop has existed for over 20 years. The residents of the estate depend upon it as it is vital for maintaining the sustainability of their community."

Noha Baruti, 27, said: "The bus stop is essential for these local elderly residents to attend hospital, go shopping and get to work, as well as serving the school children in the area."

People living on the estate met with representatives from the council, Transport for London and Berkeley Homes - the developer behind Kidbrooke Village - last week and say they are now hopeful a compromise can be found.

"Aware of concerns"

London Buses head of consultation Peter Bradley said: "We are aware of the concerns of residents on the Casterbridge and Brooklands Estates, in particular about walking distances when the bus stops on Moorhead Way are removed.

"For this reason, we are consulting on a new proposal for the B16 bus service which would see it re-routed via Weigall Road to reduce walking distances.

"We are keen to hear from local residents about the new proposals and the consultation remains open until February 25."

A spokeswoman for Greenwich Council said: "The Royal Borough of Greenwich shares the concerns of local people that at the moment the changes proposed won't adequately serve the people of Kidbrooke Village.

"We are lobbying TfL and the Mayor of London to find a route which works for local people and which won't leave them with downgraded access to public transport.

"We will continue to press the case in discussions with TFL on behalf of residents and would also urge local people to make sure they put their views to TfL before the consultation closes on February 25."

To have your say, visit the consultation website.