KATHERINE BAINBRIDGE
STAGECOACH bosses will lay on extra buses and staff during the 12-week closure of one of Stockport’s busiest roads.
The A6 in the town centre will be closed in both directions from Monday, July 24, while engineers undertake essential repair works to a bridge that runs between Exchange Street, near the Garrick Theatre, and Heaton Lane.
Council bosses say it is needed to address maintenance issues and prolong the life of the bridge. They insist Stockport will remain ‘open for business.’
But closure is expected to cause further traffic problems in an already congested area. ●●Extra buses will be provided in town centre
The busy 192 service run by Stagecoach travels along the route, which is close to Stockport bus station,.
The company has said it will put measures in place to counteract any delays.
A spokesman said: “We can confirm that we will be supplying additional staff and vehicles to try and minimise any disruption while the roadworks take place.
“We will continue to provide the 192 service up to every 10 minutes from Hazel Grove park and ride and Stepping Hill, meaning the Stockport service will run up to every five minutes.
“Stagecoach services which currently start and stop at Stockport will be amended to run between Manchester and Levenshulme only.
“These changes will be implemented from July 23.”
Residents have reacted with dismay at the news of the closure.
Commenting on Facebook, Peter Knowles said: “It could be the death knell for Stockport. St Mary’s Way has had restricted traffic flow for 12 months now, closing the A6, half the shops closed and over charging for parking. Go out of town to shop, free parking and no traffic snarl ups.”
Leanne Mitten said: “It’s already a nightmare! St Mary’s Way has been roadworks for months and would like to know when it’s due to finish?”
And Hazel Smith said: “Why can’t they wait till St Mary’s way is done, you can’t move round Stockport now. God help us when they shut the A6.”
A council spokesperson said: “These works are essential and we are doing all we can do keep disruption to a minimum.”
Up-to-date information on the running of services is available at stagecoachbus. com or by following @ StagecoachGM on Twitter.