Pensioners told bus shelter has to be replaced with a pole because it breaches the Equality Act

Pensioners trying to prevent the removal of a bus shelter in Wallasey, Merseyside, have been told it has to go because it fails to meet criteria set out in the Equality Act. Merseytravel have placed notices in the shelter on Belvidere Road announcing their intention to scrap it and replace it with a bus pole. They say their notice has already sparked "a considerable response." The plan has upset many nearby residents - and their objections have been taken up by ward councillor Leah Fraser.

She has written to the public transport organisation saying: "I have been made aware of the notice at this bus stop indicating you are considering removing the shelter and replacing it with a pole. This would cause considerable hardship, and I don’t use the word lightly, for many elderly people who regularly use the shelter. Several of them have contacted me to say they are very upset and as I live nearby myself I can understand why. Belvidere Road is quite open and at times is a very bleak, cold and windy location.



"Within Wallasey over the years there have been a number of shelters where glass has been damaged by yobs and replaced - yet in this location vandalism has never been an issue. So I am surprised that in an area of older residents, they are expected to be sheltered by a pole. There is nowhere else for people to shelter at all. Could you please tell me the reason behind this proposal?" A pensioner who asked not be named said she often uses the bus stop and has contacted Merseytravel to object. She said: "Considering most of the passengers waiting there are elderly it would be an awful loss.

"I often see elderly people resting on the very rudimentary seat provided by the shelter and they are relieved to be out of the wind and rain. Please keep our shelter. It is very well-used". A Merseytravel spokesman said: “Merseytravel is reviewing the Belvidere Road bus stop for a number of reasons. The shelter needs maintenance and the parts required are no longer available. It doesn’t meet current legislation within the Equality Act and there have been reports of anti-social behaviour at this site. We have asked for comments and feedback as part of this review and we are pleased with the considerable response we have had so far. We appreciate customers’ views and all responses will be analysed along with other relevant information before any decision is made.”