After three weeks with no buses after the service was pulled due to the closure of the through route to Ventnor, a service from Niton village to and from the Buddle Inn will restart next Monday (25th November).
Niton and Whitwell Parish Council wrote to Southern Vectis more than a month ago, flagging up the problems for bus users after Island Roads announced the six-month closure of Undercliff Drive for ground stabilisation work. As reported by OnTheWight, all No. 6 buses were to be diverted via Whitwell, leaving St Lawrence, as well as Niton Undercliff, marooned.
All clear after tree survey
Now, after a tree safety survey and talks with the Isle of Wight Council, which helps to fund the route, it has been agreed that all buses which previously served Undercliff Drive will make a diversion from Niton village via Niton Baptist Church, Undercliff Garage and a loop on St Catherine’s Road and Sandrock Road, via the Buddle Inn, returning to Niton village and then continuing via Whitwell to Ventnor. The existing school bus stops on the loop will be served, and a revised timetable is to be published shortly.
Next week’s start date depends on approval of a fast-track application to the Traffic Commissioners for permission to vary the route. Southern Vectis general manager Matt Kitchin today told the parish council he is hopeful that this can be secured this week.
Service for St Lawrence
Ventnor Town Council has already arranged with the private operator of the No. 31 Ventnor local service for the route to be extended to Spindlers Road, St Lawrence, during the road closure, which is scheduled to last until 30th April 2014.
Image: © Google Streetview
