Bus plan purchase orders approved

The BRT system could use articulated street-car style vehicles

Compulsory purchase orders have been granted to Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES) Council to buy up a number of gardens for a proposed bus scheme.

The plots in Lower Weston are needed to develop a controversial bus rapid transport (BRT) system.

The route between Newbridge and a new park-and-ride site to the east of the city is part of a £58m transport improvement package proposed for Bath.

The scheme has led to protests by local residents.

Property value

Dozens of campaigners from the pressure group, Reponse2route, staged a protest at a meeting of B&NES councillors on Wednesday night.

Carolyn Allen, one of the residents whose garden could be bought up, said: "I would lose my security, my privacy, most importantly, it's the value of my property which concerns me.

"I'd lose part of my back garden and the top part is flat. I have a shed on it, I have shrubs and I wouldn't be able to relocate them if they take the top part of my land."

But city councillor Charles Gerrish said: "It's a scheme the city needs to address current traffic congestion and anticipated future growth of congestion."

The BRT system, which would be largely funded by the government, could use articulated street-car style vehicles. The scheme will be debated in full at a meeting of the council's overview and scrutiny panel on Thursday 25 September.