Campaigner standing firm over bus row

First South Yorkshire’s services 7 and 8 now run on a route through Masbrough — missing out Kimberworth Road where Mrs Ball has run Allison’s Trends for the last 34 years.

Instead the buses now turn onto Wilton Lane and use Ferham Road between Kimberworth and the town centre.

Mrs Ball said she had been told by a member of management at First that the company had “no intention of reversing the decision and it would take an awful lot to justify a change”.

She said: “I think it’s going to take an accident to get them to change their minds — that’s the sad reality of it.

“They told me that the distance from the nearest bus stop is less than walking from one end of Rotherham Interchange to the other but that’s not the point.

“A lot of my customers can’t walk that far and I’ve already had customers asking me if there’s anything that can be done.

“Myself and other businesses on Kimberworth have overcome many trials and tribulations but this really does feel like the final nail in the coffin.”

Mrs Ball handed in a 600-name petition to transport bosses last month and is awaiting a formal response from First.

Alan Riggall, ofFirst South Yorkshire, said: “We’re sorry to hear that the decision to re-route the 7/8 service has caused concern to some of our customers and local businesses located on Kimberworth Road, however we’d like to assure customers that this decision has only been taken after careful consideration.

“We have been in direct contact with Mrs Ball and we sympathise with her situation, as we recognise the importance that buses play in helping the local economy, but on this occasion, we do not currently have enough demand to continue to operate the 7/8 service on its current route through Kimberworth Road.

“As previously mentioned, when considering a route change, we will consider the walking distance between the new and old roads, and on this occasion, the distance is less than 120m further than the existing stops. As a direct comparison, the distance is less than the travel from one end of the Rotherham interchange bus station to the other.

“We welcome any further comments about the changes to the bus routes in Rotherham, and would be happy to answer any questions from customers.”