Bus stops may be moved to keep queues socially distanced in Northampton town centre

Borough Council exploring "whole bunch of other actions" in bid to avoid congestion
Passengers queuing for a Stagecoach bus in the Drapery. Photo: Leila CokerPassengers queuing for a Stagecoach bus in the Drapery. Photo: Leila Coker
Passengers queuing for a Stagecoach bus in the Drapery. Photo: Leila Coker

Council officials are considering shifting bus stops in the Drapery in an effort to ease public concerns about congestion in Northampton town centre.

The Chronicle & Echo raised the issue at recent Covid-19 press conferences following readers contacting us about passengers ignoring pleas to queue safely to respect social distancing amid rising number of coronavirus cases in the town.

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Borough Council leader Jonathan Nunn confirmed extra Police patrols are under way but confirmed more steps could be taken.

Mr Nunn told Friday's media briefing: "In the last week or so, the Borough Council have been working with colleagues at Northamptonshire Police to increase patrols and check queues.

"But we've also been working with colleagues and the County Council public transport team to progress a whole bunch of other actions to try and reduce congestion.

"Our officers have also been in touch with Stagecoach working closely to check some practicalities of even moving bus stops out of the Drapery, which is rather congested."

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Bus operator Stagecoach are enforcing social distancing on board their buses, which means severely reducing capacity. Extra vehicles are being used on the busiest routes in an effort to match demand.

Borough council leader Jonathan NunnBorough council leader Jonathan Nunn
Borough council leader Jonathan Nunn

Passengers crowding at bus stops in the town centre has been an issue since the start of the pandemic.

Face coverings are now a must on buses and trains and residents are urged to limit their use of public transport to only when necessary.

One Chron reader said the experience of travelling in the town is "terrifying."

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A letter to the newspaper said: "The driver had no mask, other people had masks below their chins, there was no social distancing, it was over crowded and there were no windows open to aid ventilation.

"The Drapery is streaming with people with no social distancing, no masks, coughing, smoking, shouting, and barging into people waiting for buses."