An Ayr town centre bus stop has been moved for safety reasons.

In a bid to help combat traffic congestion, and reduce the risk of accidents, Stagecoach “out of town” destination buses are now calling at a bus stop which has been created in Carrick Street, Ayr, instead of beside the Gaiety in neighbouring Boswell Park.

The move has been undertaken by South Ayrshire Council in conjunction with the bus company, after Councillor Robert Campbell, Convener of the Council’s Economic and Tourism Development Committee, and local member for Ayr Central raised the twin issues of congestion and safety with the Council’s Environment and Infrastructure Department and with Stagecoach.

Explained a delighted Councillor Campbell: “I am delighted with the action that has been taken. By moving the bus stop for ‘out of town’ buses a big step has been taken towards solving the problem of traffic congestion and the risk of accidents to both pedestrians and vehicles at the junction of Boswell Park and Carrick Street.

“I have had numerous complaints in the past, and took the matter up to try to resolve the problem. I am delighted that the bus stop has now been moved.

“The new stop is located just round the corner from the old one, however the move, from the side of the Gaiety to just along from the front of the building in Carrick Street, should make Boswell Park much less congested.”

Using the stop will be buses on the following routes: 14E, 43, 45, 46, 52, 53, 347 and 361.

Said Mr Alex McSorland, Operations Manager, Stagecoach: “It is a practical solution to the problem of congestion in Boswell Terrace. We have been delighted to co-operate in ensuring that the new arrangements are understood by Stagecoach staff.”

The new stop came into operation on Monday, September 19th.

Councillor Robert Campbell is pictured with Mr Alex McSorland (yellow jacket) and Stagecoach driver, Kevin Lyle, at the relocated bus stop.

September 2005