A report released by Transport for London on proposals to extend a bus route from Streatham Hill to Balham has revealed a majority of people, including that of WERA support the plans.

In the report, some sixty eight percent of local people and local businesses are in favour of extending the 255 bus route which would link the shopping districts of Balham and Streatham. However, Twenty Seven Percent and a petition from mainly Old Devonshire Road residents are against the plans over safety and congestion fears.

The 255 which currently terminates at Streatham Hill Station would extend to Hydethorpe Road, Radbourne Road, Weir Road and Old Devonshire Road, then terminating at Balham Station giving residents, some of who are elderly or disabled and have to walk, an easier way of getting to the nearby shopping areas.

Residents are said to have made ‘long standing requests’ over a number of years for a bus to service for the roads which is described as quite remote to other bus services in the area.

A consultation has taken place between May and July 2009, where residents and local businesses where asked for their views on the plans, the report suggests that many feel that it would be a welcomed service to the area and make life easier for many living in the local area.

Weir Estate Residents Association has given its support to extending the single decker along Weir Road and Old Devonshire Road’s Travis Perkins as supported the plan saying ‘it would have little or no impact on the operational basis of our business.’

The report is now being sent to the local authorities of Lambeth and Wandsworth for consideration on the proposals as a result of this report which suggest some significant changes to parking controls and enforcement in the area.

The route has been tested by TFL who are now satisfied that the bus would be able to operate safely and not cause much disruption to local people.

With some Six Hundred and Sixty Eight replies from local people in the area, sixty three percent of those who responded said they would use the bus if it was implemented.

Local Councillors supported the plans and campaigned along with some local residents to bring about the plans for extending the bus route.

You can read the full Transport for London report here

The results of the Consultation are not due until early next year. Keep visiting www.wera.org.uk for future updates.