‘Bus stop removal is stopping me from shopping at Primark’

Celia Steer, 78, shared the difficulty she faces in accessing some of her favourite shops since the stop has been removed.

She is among many residents who have also shared their frustrations about the change.

The bus stop used to be located outside Primark on Western Road (Image: Francesca Williams) Online commenters branded the removal as ‘ridiculous’ and showing a ‘lack of support for the elderly’.

The bus stop was removed during the pandemic due to traffic congestion issues.

Councillor Trevor Muten, Cabinet Member for Transport, sympathised with residents but highlighted the need for change to help traffic flow.

However, Celia says it’s affecting a range of people: “I really want both stops to be reinstated.

“It doesn’t just affect me, it’s disabled people, it’s mums with young children with loads of shopping.

“They now have to walk all the way along, and I just think it’s so devious the way they did it.”

The bus stop was previously located outside Primark on Western Road; however the closest stops are now outside Waitrose on Western Road or in Churchill Square.

Celia used the stop frequently, having regularly shopped in Primark and Poundland: “I don’t enjoy going to Western Road now.

“If I want to go to Primark, I have to walk from Waitrose all the way along and back.”

Due to mobility issues, Celia finds walking challenging and said how she often has to stop and rest when making the journey between the bus stops.

The bus stop outside Churchill Square (Image: Francesca Williams) She explained how the walk from Churchill Square to Poundland can often take her up to 20 minutes.

She said: “Once I got a few yards and had to sit down. I just want to go to Primark and can’t even make it.

“The walk is affecting me both physically and mentally.”

Celia spoke about how losing the stop has made the buses harder to use: “It’s also meant there are more people on the buses, with more people getting on a Churchill Square. There’s so many people that sometimes I can’t get on.”

Another Brighton resident, who wishes to remain unnamed, also shared her anger: “None of us can get down there. We can’t do it. It’s a hell of a walk.

“The elderly like to get to Primark and Poundland especially with the cost-of-living crisis these days.

“The attitude towards elderly people is a disgrace. I’m really angry.”

Celia is considering setting up a petition to have the bus stops reinstated.