In The News ...

Recently two local weekly newspapers included items of interest to local bus users and enthusiasts

Friday's Great Yarmouth Mercury carried a front page story saying that First would not be introducing bus services to the recent retail developments situated to the west of the town - citing the idea as being unrealistic. Whilst it is constantly looking at ways to develop the local bus network, a service to Gapton Retail Park can not be provided due to the lack of adequate footways and the volume of traffic at the Gapton Hall roundabout. The Tesco store at Cobholm is also difficult to serve with roads being too narrow and the lack of current available areas for a bus stop.

The Great Yarmouth Mercury's use of a photo of a 1995 Dennis Dart shows the lack of  an up to date photo library!!

The North Norfolk News recently published a report that Sanders Coaches has begun a search for a new headquarter's base following a lack of space at its current site; which could force them to move from the town. Operations at the Hempstead Road site has seen the business increase its fleet based there from 14 to 55 buses since moving there in 1991. Attempts to expand have been frustrated by plans to locate a mix use development on a neighbouring site which has approval for more than 200 homes. Sanders employs more than 60 staff at the site and Holt Town Council is concerned the company might move from the area joining three other businesses recently leaving the town

In the latter case there appears to be the need for a more closer working relationship between the operator and the district council to reach a satisfactory conclusion for both sides. As regards the Great Yarmouth issue, more expensive road improvements are required to accommodate busses before any operators will introduce a service. Difficult to achieve in this time of austerity with council budgets being cut!

Roy