Diverted bus routes to remain unchanged until late 2014

Stagecoach’s Unibus routes in Leamington Spa are to remain diverted around the area until late 2014.

Early this academic year, Stagecoach reversed the Sydenham circuit route in place last year due to road closures by Severn Trent’s sewage construction in the South area of Leamington.

Managing director of Stagecoach Midlands, Steve Burd, told the Boar: “The operation of the revised route has not been extended as a result of comments received from students.

“We have received a few comments from students who find the new route more convenient, because of where they live.

“We have, however, received a few comments from other students who are keen to know when the service will revert back to its normal route.

“Unless there is a large groundswell of opinion to retain the existing diversion, we will restore the usual route in Leamington at the end of the roadworks.”

Despite the ‘disruption’ of the road closures, some Warwick students have expressed their support for the new bus route.

George Creasy, a second-year MORSE undergraduate residing near Tachbrook Road, commented: “I’m a massive fan of the new bus route. We’re lucky in that we live near a bus stop for the mornings now.”

Whereas in the last academic year, he would have had to take a bus ride around Sydenham, the route now takes him directly past the Parade.

He added: “The longer the roadworks take, the longer I get to stay in bed for an extra few minutes every morning.”

Jake Sittampalam, a second-year Literature undergraduate who also lives near Tachbrook Road, said: “I really like [the new route].

It’s been really convenient going into uni, and it’s always going to be a trek on the way back but it’s definitely been really good for the people with early lectures.”

However, the new Unibus route has been an inconvenience to other students.

Robin James Kerrison, a third-year Mathematics undergraduate, said: “My current house last year was near a [bus] stop, a four-minute ride from the church. It now takes ten minutes to walk to the church; I’m glad of the exercise.

“I also save time coming home thanks to the diversion along Willes Road.”