A CAMPAIGN by Tavistock's Greenlands' residents to get their bus service reinstated has been partially successful.
First Western National withdrew the service on the estate claiming thoughtless parking meant the bus often had difficulties getting round the narrow streets, creating unacceptable delays.
People were forced to walk as much as half a mile to the bus stop at the Green Lane entrance to the estate. Many residents were furious. They said the estate's elderly and less able people were dependent on the service to get out at all, and disputed the bus company's claims.
West Devon and Torridge MP John Burnett said: 'It's desperately important for the elderly and young mothers to get in and out of the town and the only way for most of them is by public transport.
'Often, the walk is too much, especially when laden down with shopping. That's why I called the meeting to sort it out as soon as possible.'
As a result of that meeting with the bus company and Devon County Council, Mr Burnett was able to report this week that the county highways department had agreed to paint yellow lines in the bus-turning area to prevent parking, and Western National had agreed to reinstate a partial service.
Western National spokeswoman Lesley Pomeroy said they would operate a two-hourly daytime service from May 28, but would review that situation 'if they experienced the same problems'.
Steve Phillip from West Devon Homes, which had supported the residents in their campaign said that if confirmed, the news was great for the tenants and residents who had campaigned for the reinstatement and that the credit for the bus firm's rethink should go to them.
But he added: 'It is a little disappointing that the proposed service seems to fall short of what residents on the estate would wish to see.'