Transport planners presented the Council with a plan to improve bus services in the Gleadless Valley. Included in the scheme were

• A new crossing at the top of Blackstock Road near Constable Road
•  A new crossing on Gleadless Road by Newfield Green shops
• A bus lane on Blackstock Road to get buses to the front of the queue at Newfield Green
•  A parking bay on Richards Road to stop cars blocking buses
• A bus lane on Prospect Road and improved junction with Myrtle Road

Many residents were staggered at the extent of the work which would save just a few minutes on each bus journey. There were protests on Blackstock Road where a rare holm oak tree was threatened.
But the biggest protest is against the bus lane on Prospect Road which will mean the loss of 129 trees along the boundary of Heeley City Farm. A protest meeting held on 17th Feb attracted over 70 people and the ‘S2 & S8 Residents Action Group’ has been formed to try to stall these plans. See the facebook group “SAVE THE HEELEY TREES!” for more information, or sign the petition at chn.ge/19tbpBC.
The problem for the council is that the hugely popular crossing on Blackstock Road will be held up waiting for the decision to made on the whole scheme. Local Lib Dem campaigner Phil Shaddock said “The Council is now faced with a dilemma. Force the changes through causing ongoing protests about the loss of trees, or further delay the introduction of a much needed crossing which has been a high priority with local residents for years. Earlier consultations with people affected might have avoided these problems.”
Questions were also asked in Council about the lack of consultation over the proposal for one-way traffic on Albert Road which will cause much more traffic on Thirlwell and Plantation Roads.