Resident 'trapped' due to lack of buses as Isle of Wight road closes

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A Brading resident has slammed the decision to close a main route through the town during February and not provide extra bus provision, saying she is 'trapped' in her home.

Sharon McNamara, a resident who has mobility issues, has criticised Southern Vectis's decision to not provide shuttle services from Brading to Ryde.

The Route 2 and 3 bus services are diverting via Bembridge and St Helens to Ryde due to the closure of New Road.

However, Sharon said during previous road closures, a shuttle service was provided between St Mary The Virgin Church and Tesco Extra in Ryde.

New Road in Brading is closed during February for roadworks (Image: IWCP)

The nearest bus stop to Brading is now the temporary stop at Morton Old Road, 0.6 miles away from Brading Bullring.

North of the town, the nearest place to get the bus is 0.9 miles away at Rowborough Corner.

Sharon said: "We think there should be additional provision.

"I can't get out. I can't walk to Sandown - I'm literally trapped in my home.

"And this is going to happen for at least a month. I do our weekly shop as I am the carer for my mum who is 87. She doesn't go out unless it is essential.

"I don't know how I'm going to do my shopping."

Sharon said getting to Rowborough Corner was even more out of the question, given the terrain she will have to contend with.

She said: "It's unpaved, unlit, narrow and uneven. It's a non starter.

"There's no way I would put myself in that situation."

Joe Robertson MP has contacted Island Roads and Southern Vectis for an urgent meeting to 'find a solution', labelling the situation 'not acceptable' and the singular bus stop 'not sufficient'.

He said: "It is not acceptable that a town the size of Brading should be cut off from a proper bus service during the closure of New Road. A bus stop located at Yarbridge is not sufficient to serve the whole town.

"Older people, school children, and those who find walking distances harder are some of the most frequent users of public transport and the least likely to have any alternatives.

"The centre of town will not be closed so I see no good reason why buses will not go into town. I have asked Island Roads and Southern Vectis for an urgent meeting in order to find a solution this week."

Southern Vectis has been approached for comment.

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