LLANDUDNO residents have appealed to Arriva buses to reinstate an original bus route after it had been changed.

A site meeting was arranged by Janet Finch-Saunders AM, residents and an Arriva representative to explore the impact the change in route had made.

Arriva Buses Wales had diverted the number 12 bus away from Bryn-y-Bia road, Llandudno.

Mrs Finch-Saunders said: “What the decision to divert the bus along Colwyn Road means residents in Penrhynside have to walk up and down extremely steep hills to catch a bus.

“There are many older people in the area, and some have already been deterred from using public transport because of this change.”

She added: “Alongside contributing to isolation, I fear that the change in route is having a negative impact on businesses in Penrhyn-Side too, with them having become less accessible than before.

“While I appreciate that the route is serviced by the 14 and 15 during the core part of Monday to Saturday, I am aware that the reduction in evening and lack of Sunday services remains a major problem.

“At the end of the day, I believe that it would be economical to have the bus running along Bryn-y-Bia road again. It is only slightly longer than using the Colwyn Road route, and would mean that the bus can use three additional stops in each direction”.

“I am grateful Arriva is cooperating with us, and sent a representative to hear concerns and see the terrain.”

An Arriva Buses Wales spokesperson said: "Arriva Buses Wales ran service 12B via Bryn y Bia Road in the evenings and on Sundays as a result of a contribution made by the local authority.

"When that was withdrawn, we reverted to the original service 12 route, bearing in mind services 14 and 15 run via Bryn y Bia Road during the daytime.

"As a result of our meeting with the Assembly Member and a number of local residents, we are now considering whether or not to divert all of the buses via Bryn y Bia Road and will make a decision in due course."