Residents seek council debate over bus cut

From Sunday, the Q3 will no longer serve most of Newcastle Great Park

Residents are seeking a council debate about the prospect of losing a bus service.

From 1 September, Go North East's Q3 service will no longer serve most of Newcastle Great Park.

New Stagecoach services will run to the estate instead, but those opposing the changes say the proposed 49 bus will be far less frequent and have no late evening or Sunday service.

The Great Park Transport Advisory Board said the 49 bus, as well as an extended route for the existing X47 bus into the estate, would "increase the overall frequency of services" across the "entirety of the area".

More than 2,500 people have signed a petition opposing the loss of the Q3, said Jamie Robinson, the head of the area's neighbourhood association, and so under council rules can request a debate on the matter.

He said the loss of the frequent Q3 service would make it more difficult for residents to attend GP appointments in nearby Gosforth, as well as socialise on Gosforth High Street in the evenings and on Sunday.

"It just seems like a bunch of people who don't live on the estate have made this decision on behest of the residents without their input whatsoever," he added.

He also said communication about the changes had been poor.

"There are still people on the estate who haven't got social media who haven't got a clue," he said.

The Great Park Transport Advisory Board said it had met with the residents association in recent months, as well as held general information sessions about the changes.

It said upon the completion of more road links in Great Park, the changes would mean more parts of the area would be able to benefit from a bus service for the "first time".