Residents 'isolated' by lack of buses

The bus operator said there were alternative buses residents could use

People living on a suburban estate say they feel isolated because their local bus does not operate late enough into the evening and not at all on Sundays and bank holidays.

Residents in Lobley Hill want the X32, which would take them into Gateshead town or Newcastle city centre, to extend its service hours.

Operator Go North East said most residents were still within "easy walking distance of a regularly served bus stop in the evenings".

But Angela Lennox, 60, said that bus stop was on the other side of the estate and, if she and her elderly mother wanted to get there, she would have to walk 20 minutes uphill pushing her wheelchair.

Miss Lennox said they felt house-bound on bank holidays.

"If it's a nice day and we're wanting to go down to the beach, I can't get out to do that unless I pay for a taxi or somebody comes and picks me up in a car," she said.

Angela Lennox has to push her elderly mother in a wheelchair

The last X32 that goes to Lobley Hill leaves Newcastle at 18:18 on weekdays.

Miss Lennox said the lack of services meant her elderly neighbours no longer see their friends at nearby social clubs or bingo.

Resident Jo Moody, 43, said some on the estate were "completely dependent" on the route.

"The residents who are not able to get themselves to the main road are basically cut off and they can't get anywhere, they can't get to any shops, visit relatives," she said.

Labour councillor Kevin Dodd, who set up a petition on behalf of residents, said: "People are in essence under a curfew.

"Imagine finishing a late-night shift, attending an evening class, or simply wanting to enjoy a social outing on a Saturday night, only to discover that your return options are astonishingly limited," he said.

Go North East business director Ben Maxfield said on weekday evenings "nearby services X72 and 301 continue to run along the A692, meaning most residents are still within easy walking distance of a regularly served bus stop".

He said the company would listen to local feedback and consider ways to improve evening links to the estate in future network reviews.