KRAMER CONTINUES TO PRESS CASE FOR BUS STAND AT RICHMOND SAINSBURYS STORE

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 17th Oct 2005

Local MP Susan Kramer is to continue to press for a bus stand at Sainsbury's store on the Lower Richmond Road.

Sainsbury's has said that a bus stand might work as part of long term plans for the site but are not prepared to commit to this now. Routes such as the 371 and 419 could take advantage of a new facility.

Richmond Council is backing the idea and would like to see it happen but the Council and Sainsbury's disagree over the number of parking spaces that might be lost if it went ahead.

Sainsbury's claim that up to 25 spaces would go while the Council thinks it would be half that number.

Susan Kramer wants the Council, Sainsbury's and Transport for London to come up with a solution which would work for many people who rely on bus services to get to the store.

Ms Kramer said:

" Putting a bus stand on site would make it so much more accessible for people with disabilities or older people who sometimes struggle to get to the shop.

" We must be able to come up with a solution that works and benefits the community."