‘You couldn’t make it up!’ – Bus shelters removed months before replacements due

York’s Liberal Democrat councillors have demanded answers after bus shelters were removed across the city, with replacements not expected until October or November.

Shelters were taken down in Dringhouses & Woodthorpe, Westfield, Copmanthorpe and Haxby & Wigginton wards, following the award of a new contract to Bauer, who will replace JC Decaux.

The removals mean bus passengers will be left without seating, or protection from the weather, for several months.

The news marks the latest development in a saga over the city’s bus shelter contract.

Earlier this year Labour councillors attempted to re-award the 15-year deal to JC Decaux without a competitive tender.

 The Lib Dems challenged the move, triggering scrutiny which secured a lawful process and up to £2.5 million in extra income to help fund services for local residents.

Lib Dem Group Deputy Leader, Cllr Paula Widdowson, said residents were “stunned” to find the shelters gone and described the decision as a “fiasco.”

She added, “You really couldn’t make it up. To remove the shelters and seating months before the replacements are ready is beyond belief.”

She also warned that no seating at busy stops, such as on Tadcaster Road, will hit older residents and visitors particularly hard.

“The council should be making bus travel more comfortable and convenient,” she said, “but this will have the opposite effect.”

Cllr Widdowson has called on the Labour council leadership to explain the decision and work with officers to put temporary measures in place until the new shelters are installed.

A list of the removed shelters: