Sherford resident seeks answers about bus stop plans

A Sherford resident has raised concerns about the lack of safe access to a bus service from the town’s new Urban Quarter development. 

Speaking to The Moorlander, the resident who wishes to remain anonymous, relies on public transport and walking. 

She highlighted safety issues along Hercules Road and the absence of proper bus stops in the area.

The resident, who does not drive, also explained the challenges faced by her two children, both of whom have special educational needs. 

She expressed concerns over the dangers posed by the top path running along Hercules Road, which she described as hazardous. 

“The path is awful. I have complained to Taylor Wimpey about the lack of lighting and proper pathways,” she said.

“I feel everyone needs to have a moan almost to be heard and something to be put into place.”

Her family, she revealed, had narrowly avoided being involved in five car accidents. 

She noted that Hercules Road has no street lighting, and urged the need for a proper pedestrian crossing at the Equinox Road junction, as well as a dedicated bus stop.

According to Google Maps, the nearest bus stop at Sherford Vale School is a 16 minute walk away. 

Currently, the Stagecoach GOLD service operates from Sherford Vale School to Paignton, passing the Equinox Road junction that connects the Urban Quarter development. 

However, there is no bus stop at this location.

In response, a spokesperson from Devon County Council (DCC) said: “Due to the expansion of Sherford, we are already looking to identify suitable locations for additional bus stops. This is on our programme of works, although we are unable to advise of timescales at the moment.”

Stagecoach South West also commented on the issue, with a spokesperson stating: “Over the past couple of years we have increased the level of service to Sherford, including introducing new routes and journey opportunities. The Stagecoach network is continuously under review so that we can best serve the local community, and we will continue active conversations with key stakeholders about future services.”

A spokesperson for the Sherford consortium said: "We are sorry to hear that a Sherford resident has concerns about the safety of pavements and access to public transport. Sherford is designed as a sustainable development with ample opportunities for residents to access public transport and travel by foot and bicycle, and we recognise the need for residents to do this safely.

"More work will take place on this section of road to complete the pavements and highways, and this will happen when Sherford's town centre is created. Health and safety is our priority, so in the meantime we will review the condition of the footpaths to make sure residents can use them safely."

"Responsibility for the location of bus stops lies with the service provider, Stagecoach, and is not something that we have influence over."