Over the last year a huge campaign has been run across the borough to get the number 5 bus rerouted so that it stops at Queen's Hospital in Romford. The number 5 goes straight through the borough and would be of great benefit for people, meaning that residents would only have to take one bus rather than changing ? or making the walk from Romford town centre.
The campaign was led by Barking Labour Party and local councillors. After much pressure and a large number of petition signatures Transport for London are now holding a public consultation. TfL alongside the local NHS Trust are proposing these changes to the service:
- Buses would be rerouted at Rom Valley Way to serve Queen's Hospital, Oldchurch Rise, and Oldchurch Road. Buses would use these roads in both directions
- Buses would no longer serve the section of South Street between Oldchurch Road and Rom Valley Way
- It would continue to serve Romford town centre and Romford Station.
These changes would greatly improve access to Queen's Hospital from the Barking and Dagenham area, providing a direct bus service.
The proposed changes to the route can be seen on a map by clicking HERE
The public consultation will last until October 3rd and all residents that use the service are encouraged to participate. You can do so by clicking HERE
Jon Cruddas MP for Dagenham & Rainham commented: "I'm glad the campaign has had a positive result, I commend all the councillors that led this on behalf of local residents. It is vitally important that people have easy access to good quality healthcare, and changing the route of the number 5 bus will make life a lot easier for many people across Dagenham."
There is also a campaign being run in Whalebone Ward in Dagenham by local councillors to achieve the same result for the number 86 bus. The people of Chadwell Heath currently have ease of access to King George Hospital but with the movement of services and the possible closure of Accident & Emergency it is important that local residents have an alternative.