A solution has been found which will prevent Bretton Centre in Peterborough from being left with out a bus service for almost two months.

The bus stop at the centre was due to close between September 1 and October 25 for Cadent Gas to replace gas pipes in the area.

Residents raised concerns about losing access to bus services with the alternative stops of Eyrescroft, Deerleap and the city hospital being located so far away.

Discussions began between ward councillors, Stagecoach, Cadent, Peterborough City Council and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority to find a solution.

A solution has now been found to allow buses to continue to use the centre during this period.

There will still be some disruption whilst Cadent carries out major works in the area but the company has agreed to put extra staff on to help buses navigate the works and stop at the centre.

Rather than close the bus lane and force residents to use alternative stops at Eyrescroft, Deerleap or the City Hospital, Cadent gas will position a person at either end of the bus lane.

They will then ensure the people working in the lane will move equipment out of the way to allow a safe passage for the bus and the workers.

Cllr Richard Strangward commented: “I am pleased that we have a temporary solution in place and would like to thank Stagecoach, Peterborough City Council and Cadent Gas for listening to resident’s concerns.

“I was first alerted to the potential 2-month closure last week and immediately contacted Andrew Pakes MP and together we got onto Stagecoach and Peterborough City Council.

There will still be some disruption, as these are major works, but we will keep pressure up for further improvements and to get buses coming in and out of the centre.”

Andrew Pakes MP, added: “Thank you to quick-eyed residents who spotted the potential 2-month shut down and contacted Cllr Strangward and myself. The Bretton Centre is an important stop for residents who rely on the bus to travel to medical appointments, shopping or to travel around the city.”

Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Paul Bristow said: “I convened a meeting this morning between Cadent, Stagecoach and Peterborough City Council to find a solution to the Number 3 bus no longer serving the Bretton Centre.

“We have negotiated a potential solution which will allow these important works to go ahead while ensuring buses can continue to serve local residents and keep them connected to vital services. “I want to thank local residents who raised this issue and made this happen. I shall continue to meet regularly with all relevant stakeholders to ensure bus access is maintained throughout the works.”

Commercial Director of Stagecoach East, David Boden said: “We fully understand the need for Cadent to replace gas mains, but Cadent’s original plan to do it in such a way as to cut buses from being able to serve from this vital community resource for two months was wholly unacceptable.

“We therefore thank the Mayor, Paul Bristow, for his timely intervention and through the hard work of him and his team, sufficient pressure was brought to bare to ensure Cadent reconsidered matters.

“We are pleased that this will allow our loyal customers to continue to access their bus service and offer our apologies for the upset and distress the uncertainty caused whilst we resolved matters with Cadent.”