Welcome for new bus shelter on Derry’s Creggan Road

A new bus shelter erected on Creggan Road in Derry has been welcomed by SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan and Sinn Cllr Mickey Cooper.

Mr Durkan welcomed steps taken by Derry City and Strabane Council and the Department of Regional Development in having the bus shelter installed opposite Hatmore Park.

He added: “This shelter has been in the pipeline for quite a while as there was uncertainty if the immediate area would be developed.

“This bus stop was in a very exposed area and many passengers will have a more comfortable, protected environment now to wait for their bus.

“I am glad that Transport Ni have just last week granted permission for the shelter and appreciate the swift work of Council officials in installing the structure.

“I hope that this will encourage more residents of the area to make use of our public transport services as we know that many routes in the city and district are being cut due to lack of passenger numbers.

“There are also many areas which would greatly benefit from an extension of this bus route, namely Hawthorn and Sheriffs Glen and I will continue to press for an incorporation of a service to this area.”

Cllr Cooper said the new facility would provide shelter for residents and students alike.

He added: “I have been involved in a lengthy negotiation with the Council engineers department and Transport NI to get to this stage.

“The new bus shelter will make life more comfortable for those residents of the area who depend on public transport to get around. It will also be of special benefit to the youth of the area who have to stand out in the open in all-weathers waiting for school buses.

“We had received complaints from parents and grandparents of children from the area with complaints in bad weather they were going into school soaked to the skin even before they started the school day and that is not what we want in 2016.”

He concluded: “It’s important to thank all those involved in the process to make this possible.”