Original story published on North Wales Pioneer online by Patrick Glover, available here: http://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/16239108.Number_12_bus_issue_co…;
Changes to Arriva's number 12 bus route continues to be an issue amongst Llandudno residents.
More than 100 residents fully filled the Trinity Centre, in Llandudno, on Friday, May 11 as Aberconwy Assembly Member Janet Finch-Saunders held a public meeting to discuss issues surrounding the West Shore issue.
While Kingdom's contract within the Conwy County and sand blowing in the West Shore provoked discussion between attendees, Mrs Finch-Saunders and town and Conwy County Borough councillors the main topic issues proved to be the alterations to the number 12 bus route.
She said: "The strength of feeling on some of the issues discussed was clear from the exceptional turn out at this meeting – with over 100 local residents in attendance.
“The Number 12 bus service was raised by many constituents, and I was able to update them on my recent meeting with Mr Michael Morton – Managing Director of Arriva Buses Wales.
"Issues of concern regarding accessibility and timings were raised and I will be looking into these further so as to ensure that my constituents are able to access the service they require.”
Arriva made the decision to cut short the number 12 bus route earlier this year, eliminating the stretch from the Llandudno Pavilion/Wetherpsoons to the West Shore Beach.
While Mrs Finch-Saunders was able to answer most questions having held talks with Arriva Buses Wales managing director Michael Morton however some residents began to get riled up as some of their queries were left unanswered.
People began to question Mr Morton's decision after the reason's behind the decision had become blurred, while the managing director also wasn't present at the meeting.
An Arriva spokesperson, at the time of the decision, said: "This decision has not been made lightly, and a number of issues were taken into consideration.
"We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused and reassure passengers these changes have been made with their best interests at heart.
"We will continue to work with local councillors to monitor the effectiveness of the service change."
Mrs Finch-Saunders is looking to take this matter further and push to have resident's voices heard.
She said she would be requesting an independent group run a survey of the route, to get a third party opinion as to whether the decision to cut West Shore off the route was necessary.
The survey will push forward her claim to have the number 12 route restored as it was.
Photo: Credit: Patrick Glover, North Wales Pioneer