Pool Meadow bus station traders fear low footfall

[dutchman]

Traders in Coventry's Pool Meadow bus station say they are worried about loss of revenue because National Express has changed its route, reducing footfall.

The traders claim that 2,000 National Express buses per week have been diverted away from Pool Meadow and other nearby bus stops since January.

National Express said due to changes in the road network it had reduced its departures from Pool Meadow.

Traders said they would ask the council, as their landlord, for help.

Stan Wilson, from Judy Austin Flowers, at the bus station, has drafted a letter signed by Pool Meadow traders, asking Coventry City Council if there is anything it can do.

'People will leave'

The Labour-run city council said it awaited the traders' letter and would listen to their concerns.

Beautician Rose Paul said: "This has really affected the business, we have lost a lot of money. I am really concerned about what they are doing.

"Right now, sometimes I don't make £50 a day. That is not business.

"It affects everybody. If we are not making money, people will decide to leave the site and will move somewhere else."

National Express said: "It is correct that the number of National Express departures from Pool Meadow bus station reduced earlier this year.

"This was a result of the changes to road network as part of the Broadgate development which have extended journeys times for some of our routes.

"In conjunction with Centro, we would be willing to meet with the bus station traders and discuss how between us all we can encourage more people to use the bus station rather than other bus stops in the city centre."

[Spuffler]

"The Labour-run city council said it awaited the traders' letter and would listen to their concerns." Is that the same as actually doing anything about it?