Dropped kerb call after New Square Tesco car park complaints
Bosses at West Bromwich's £200 million New Square development are being called on to make alterations to a kerb after problems were flagged up by passengers using the Ring and Ride service.
Buses cannot use the Tesco car park to drop off passengers and a council lay-by nearby does not have a dropped-kerb, meaning some passengers cannot get on and off the vehicles.
Tesco and Sandwell Council have now vowed to remedy the problem.
West Bromwich East MP Tom Watson said he was asked to look into the problem after receiving complaints from elderly and vulnerable users.
He said West Midlands Special Needs Transport, which operates the buses, was told it cannot use the new car park , while a council lay-by directly outside the store lacks a suitable dropped kerb and road markings for the service.
Mr Watson said: "Everyone is really pleased with the new shopping development but it seems a real shame that the issue of parking for Ring and Ride buses was not resolved before New Square opened its doors.
"It would be very disappointing if older people, and those with disabilities, were unable to enjoy the new shopping development like everyone else because this matter can't be sorted out.
"I hope that Tesco, the managers for the Ring and Ride service and council officers can sit down around the table and resolve this matter swiftly.
"I'll gladly organise the meeting if it helps speed things up."
Sue Cozens Sandwell Ring and Ride district manager explained that where there is no dropped kerb in place, passengers using scooters or wheelchairs can face problems getting on and off the vehicle.
She said: "A dropped kerb enables them to get off the kerb so if the scooter is on our vehicle without a dropped kerb that scooter cannot get off the vehicle."
Today bosses at the council and Tesco said they were working to fix the issue.
Steve Burr, New Square centre manager, said: "We are aware and have instructed our contractors to put a drop kerb in place as soon as possible."
Sandwell's cabinet member for jobs and economy Councillor Ian Jones added: "This is a marvellous new development and it is a shame that there is problem over the Ring and Ride service.
"I hope it can be resolved as soon as possible so the Ring and Ride users can enjoy all the new facilities available in New Square."
