In his thought-provoking piece, titled “Where have all the buses gone? Their neglect is an English national failure,” John Harris highlights the disappearance of not just buses, but also bus stations. A prime example is the proposed demolition of the bus station in Lewes, the largest town in the South Downs national park. Since the 1950s, this bus station has dutifully served the towns and villages in East and West Sussex.
Unfortunately, the building has fallen into disrepair over time. It used to house an excellent cafe where patrons could enjoy a decent cup of coffee and a slice of cake. The bus station served as a crucial hub for bus transfers, while also providing a valuable rest area for drivers. Additionally, local volunteers contributed to the creation of surrounding green spaces. Clearly, this bus station was well-utilized and served an important purpose.
However, the future of the site tells a different story. Instead of preserving this historical landmark, the plan is to construct a block of 35 homes consisting of three houses and 32 flats. This development is completely out of sync with the area’s historic ambiance and lacks affordable housing options.
As for the buses, the proposed solution is to establish on-street bus stops along a busy A road. These stops would offer limited shelter and seating, with no amenities for drivers or passengers. Furthermore, this change would expose everyone to increased pollution levels and necessitate the removal of many mature trees.
If a national park, such as the South Downs, displays such complacency and inconsistency towards public transport and the environment, it raises concerns about the attitudes of others. The South Downs national park and the county council should be ashamed for even considering this detrimental plan.
Sylvia Argyle
Lewes, East Sussex
John Harris’s article resonated with me personally. We recently lost the only bus route that connected us to Luton and Welwyn Garden City. This route was heavily used by college students, non-drivers seeking transportation to two hospitals, and elderly individuals like myself who enjoyed a leisurely morning of shopping at the only John Lewis in the vicinity.
In response, I wrote to our Member of Parliament, highlighting the significant impact of this vital service’s demise on our lives and the potential loss of footfall for numerous retail establishments. The explanation I received was that there is now a shortage of bus drivers, with many of them coming from Poland. This raises the question of where these drivers have gone and why they are no longer available?
Carol Hedges
Harpenden, Hertfordshire
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