By John Wimperis Local Democracy Reporter: The council has apologised for disruption caused by the closure of a road in the centre of Bath, after concerns were raised that it had left bus users struggling to get to hospital.
Manvers Street closed last week for up to six months as major works need to be carried out to prevent it from collapsing into the vaults below the street. The closure means 26 bus routes have had to be diverted or shortened and councillors say it has made it difficult for people to get to the Royal United Hospital (RUH) from the east side of the city.
As some services no longer reach Bath Bus Station, people having to change buses to get to the RUH face having to walk across the city centre. Green councillor for Lambridge Joanna Wright said: “The walk suggested between bus services is not feasible for some people who are receiving medical attention.
“We understand the council doesn’t oversee the buses, but it does oversee the roadworks and we expect better outcomes for patients, due to the strong partnership between the RUH and BANES. This is a public health issue that affects many residents, for a significant amount of time.”
Bath and North East Somerset Council has apologised for the disruption and said it is trying to complete it “as quickly as reasonably possible.” The major reconstruction work on Manvers Street, which involves excavating down to the vaults under the road and reinforcing them with foamed concrete, is expected to take up to six months. The council says it will be completed before Bath Christmas Market begins in November.
Ms Wright, who was previously the Liberal Democrat council cabinet member for transport prior to her defection to the Green Party in 2021, said she understood that the critical works on the road were necessary. But she said: “We feel this road closure could have been managed better to ensure less disruption to residents and visitors to a renowned World Heritage City.”
On the same day as Manvers Street closed, Bridge Street was also closed for three weeks to install a segregated cycle lane. While both lanes are closed, another eight bus services are disrupted.
The Greens also said that not enough had been done to publicise that the major roadworks were taking place. Saskia Heijltjes (also Lambridge, Green) said: “Many people still have no idea of this closure and the impact this will have over the next few months on their journeys. There is no information at Bath Spa Train Station or Bath Bus station.
“The information on bus services is of high importance to residents, and we have already heard from some residents who have gotten stranded and seen those impacted who are travelling through Bath or to Bath destinations.”
The council insisted it had carried out “a lot of communication” before the works began, but said that it had now put up more signage in response to feedback. The council’s cabinet member for sustainable transport delivery, Lucy Hodge (Lansdown, Liberal Democrat) said: “We are carrying out essential maintenance as well as improvements in the city and we do acknowledge the disruption this causes.
“Whether you are commuting, running a business, or simply trying to get around the city – delays, diversions and changes to bus services are frustrating. I apologise for the inconvenience and we will do this work as quickly as reasonably possible.
“We live in a beautiful heritage city but unfortunately that means that there is a lot of old infrastructure and these works are not being undertaken lightly. Manvers Street in particular sits above historic vaults and ageing infrastructure that has deteriorated over time, and this project is essential to ensure the long-term safety and resilience of one of our city’s key routes.
“By carrying out these improvements now, we are making a long-term investment in Bath’s infrastructure as well as creating safer streets, better walking, wheeling and cycling routes which will provide long-term benefits for all our communities.
“In the run-up to these works we carried out a lot of communication with residents, the media, local businesses and our partners including the bus companies. Following feedback we’ve put in more signage and we will continue to listen to residents and businesses to see what more we can do during the time these schemes are under way. Bridge Street will reopen later this month but works will continue.”
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