Growing frustration over safety and access issues on Branstone Farm Lane has sparked a campaign for a new bus stop, with residents and workers warning that current transport options are failing the community.
A lack of safe and accessible public transport is at the centre of growing concern around Branstone Farm Lane, where the nearest bus stop is considered impractical for many users.
Aaron Townsend, who is spearheading the campaign, says the closest stop – located at Amazon World – leaves services run by Southern Vectis ‘almost unusable’ for both residents and those working nearby.
Mr Townsend has contacted Southern Vectis and gathered supporting evidence, while also raising the issue with the council. He was initially referred to Island Roads before being told the council is responsible for making a final decision.
The current stop serves those accessing Branstone Farm Lane, Branstone Business Park, Goddards Brewery and Holliers Tunnel – but routes to reach it present significant challenges.
A path linking the area to the bus stop becomes muddy and hazardous in wet weather, making it unsuitable for people with mobility issues, families with pushchairs and young children. In darkness, the route is considered unsafe due to a lack of lighting and hazards including ponds, burrows, fencing and unfenced waterways.
The alternative route along the main road also raises concerns. Its gravel surface is difficult for wheelchairs and pushchairs, while fast-moving traffic and the complete absence of street lighting – including at the bus stop itself – create further risks, particularly during winter.
Residents say these conditions discourage bus use, with some choosing taxis instead.
Local feedback gathered as part of the campaign includes:
“I struggle to get over with my dog. It must be really awkward for pushchairs and people with small children.”
“Having a closer bus stop would be amazing… at night time you can’t see anything at all.”
“It would make the world of difference to my kids. I don’t even like getting off the bus in the pitch black.”
“The current bus stop requires a walk along a main road with no street lighting, which feels unsafe… especially for children.”
“It’s so unsafe for the kids in the dark… they feel very isolated.”
Supporters say a new stop would improve safety, access and bus use, while also supporting nearby businesses.
Safety doesn’t exist on the island, don’t get me started on
safety.
I could go on and on with so many examples from what
I have seen along island roads.
I thought Highways persons were employed to notice all the
UNSAFE areas.
Either they are shirking from home or need to go to
Specsavers.
“I could go on and on”..whaddya mean “could”?
Alright then, you asked for it.
There are so many areas on route to Briddlesford Road
from Havenstreet that need filling with shingle etc to make safe.
There is a road up the top of Ventnor that needs fencing
erected for safety.
There are many bus stops in poor locations with no
pull ins and some where when vehicles stop at bus stops
vehicles park opposite causing gridlock because other
vehicles cannot pass.
Not to mention numpties parking illegally on Double Yellow Lines causing disruption to other motorists and pedestrians.
Finally there is a window hanging off the Cygnet Hotel in
Sandown blowing in the wind, a disaster waiting too happen.
NO ONE ON THE ISLAND MAKES UNSAFE PLACES SAFE!
Finally speeding is rife and no one does anything about
that either.
“20MPH IS PLENTY”
Enough is Enough