Stagecoach’s plan to remove a number of local Kendal buses from Stricklandgate is regrettable and will make buses a less attractive and more confusing option for users (Gazette, July 30, ‘Buses face axe over congestion’).

But the company is between a rock and a hard place. Reliability is the most important issue for bus users and a reduction in that will drive folks away, so some form of action has to be taken.

The correct solution is simple: let buses travel both ways along Stricklandgate. Everyone is used to buses being there and there would be the same number using the street as at present so it would not cause a problem and actually make the service quicker and more attractive for many.

Bikes can already use Stricklandgate both ways and buses are far more accessible in all weathers to more folk than bikes ever can be. The walk to the bus stop is good for you too.

It is about time local politicians woke up to the fact that the cause of congestion in Kendal, which is day long, not just at peaks, and thus the number of idle vehicles causing pollution, is the outdated road and traffic signal layout. It needs to be thoroughly examined and taking up precious road space for little used bike lanes is not the answer.

Roger Davies

Kendal