Agenda item

To receive and consider any petitions for which notice has been provided under Standing Order 66.

Members are asked to note that the following petition is due to be presented at the meeting:

(a)        Use of Liddell Gardens and Doyle Gardens as a shortcut by Metroline buses between Kensal Rise & Willesden Junction bus garage.

Cabinet NOTED the comments made by Connor Woodman (as a representative of the Liddell Gardens Residents Association and residents living along Liddell Gardens, Doyle Gardens & College Road) in support of a petition containing over 50 signatures relating to concerns and the negative impact arising from changes in operation of the 28 and 187 bus routes along the streets identified and requesting that the Council intervene on behalf of residents to lobby TfL and Metroline to consider alternative solutions and rerouting of the services.

In introducing the petition, Connor Woodman highlighted the impact the changes in the 28 and 187 bus routes were having on residents along Liddell Gardens, Doyle Gardens & College Road in terms of their quality of life and property condition which, he advised, had been raised on numerous occasions via email with representative of the Council, TfL and Metroline.  Despite highlighting these issues, members were advised no action had been taken to date to alleviate the concerns outlined.

In order to support the concerns being raised, Mr Woodman advised that residents had commissioned (at their own cost) independent surveys that demonstrated the impact the change in bus routes were having locally.  The first survey, from an independent specialist (KP Acoustics) had assessed the potential impact of vibrations in terms of disruption to residents and physical damage to their properties.  This had found evidence of property damage linked to use of the roads by buses, supported by video footage taken over two 24 hour periods.  Referring to the outcome of the survey, members were advised that over a 24-hour period in April 2025 40 examples had been recorded of the vibrations caused by passing buses exceeding British Standard  BS22581 (described as being at a level at which “disruption would likely cause complaint”).  As a further concern, it was reported that on five occasions over the same period the vibrations from passing buses on Liddell Gardens had been recorded as exceeding the level at which they could be expected to cause structural damage in unreinforced buildings, which he highlighted would include all properties along the streets identified.

In referring to the second survey, Mr Woodman advised this had been commissioned to assess the perceived impact on local residents arising from the use of the roads by buses as an access route.  Based on the responses received to date, the findings had identified 64% of parents reporting that their children were being woken each night by the buses, which he highlighted would also have an effect on the each families health and wellbeing, as well as 96% of households with vulnerable residents having experienced property damage or disruption to their lives which they felt ‘powerless’ to prevent.  As specific examples, individual testimonies were provided from a 70-year-old resident, highlighting how the buses kept her awake each night as well as from the parent of a newborn baby outlining damage to their property (in the form of cracks appearing in their walls) since the services had been rerouted and the newly introduced and much heavier electric bus fleet had been introduced on the 128 route.  This had been supported by other residents advising of damage to woodwork, paintwork and plaster in their properties.

In seeking a way forward, Mr Woodman identified the need for immediate action to address the disruption and nuisance being caused.  Residents felt this needed to include an immediate halt to all bus activity on Liddell & Doyle Gardens pending a full assessment of the damage already caused and a permanent solution being found.  In terms of potential solutions residents had proposed the removal of speed humps on the road, which it was felt were amplifying the vibrations, and their replacement with an alternative form of traffic calming and speed reduction measures.  They were also calling for bus operations to be permanently limited during the early morning and late night schedule in order to prevent empty buses using Liddell & Doyle Gardens as access to Willesden Bus Garage rather than the main roads.  Highlighting that neither Liddell Gardens or Doyle Gardens had been constructed to include a reinforced concrete sublayer, as had been the case with main roads in the area (such as Harrow Road and Chamberlayne Road) residents felt that their roads either needed to be reinforced to a similar standard or the buses rerouted permanently to roads that were of suitable construction.

In closing his presentation, Connor Woodman advised Cabinet that whilst residents were not opposed to public transport and supported the drive for greener transport solutions they were concerned to ensure a fair balance was achieved with introduction of the newer and heavier electric buses matched by the necessary infrastructure and neither Liddell or Doyle Gardens identified as suitable for the type of journeys or buses using them for access.  As a result, he ended by advising that the petitioners were calling upon the Council to review the evidence provided and work with them, TfL and the bus operator in order to find a permanent, practical and sustainable solution that would those residents affected some respite with the request also made for a single point of contact to be identified moving forward with authority to effect change given the strength of local feeling in the area and need identified to find an immediate and permanent solution.

In response, Councillor Krupa Sheth (as Cabinet Member for Public Realm and Enforcement) thanked Connor Woodman and the residents for attending Cabinet to ensure the views of residents at Liddell Gardens and Doyle Gardens were represented.  Confirmation was provided that members had received the emails from residents outlining their concerns and understood their frustrations over the issues and ongoing problems being faced with an assurance provided of the Council’s commitment to working with TfL and Metroline to find a workable solution.  Councillor Krupa Sheth felt it important to highlight that the Council had previously lobbied TfL and Metroline seeking changes to the running arrangements for route 28, including a request that they explore alternative routes avoiding predominantly residential roads such as Liddell Gardens and Doyle Gardens, which unfortunately had not been successful due to various operational, legislative and financial reasons identified by Metroline as the bus operator.  Whilst recognising the disappointment expressed by local residents at this outcome, an assurance was provided that the Council remained committed to exploring other alternative options to mitigate against the concerns highlighted.  These included seeking a commitment (backed up by relevant enforcement activity) to ensure Metroline drivers adhered to the 20mph speed limit along Liddel and Doyle Gardens and drove more considerately when navigating the traffic calming measures.  As further assurance residents were advised that Liddell Gardens had also been included for consideration on the programme for resurfacing works, which it was hoped would improve conditions and reduce some of the disruption experienced. In response to the request for a dedicated liaison officer, Councillor Krupa Sheth confirmed that would be also actioned moving forward.

The Leader then invited Councillor Neil Nerva to speak (as a local Queens Park ward councillor) who, having visited the area, advised he fully supported the concerns being raised by local residents.  Whilst supportive of the move to an electric bus fleet, it was recognised that the buses being introduced were much heavier with associated consequences on roads in use along the routes, which he was keen to ensure the operators were required to assess and review given the impact on local residents and the surrounding infrastructure and properties.  Similarly, he took the opportunity to highlight his concern at the use of Liddell & Doyle Gardens for the running of empty buses (particularly during the early hours of the morning and late at night) in order to access Willesden Bus Garage, which it was pointed out had arisen as a result of contractual changes in the operation of the 28 route involving the relocation of the terminal from Westbourne Park to Willesden Bus Garage.  In highlighting that TfL was only required to consult on changes to the operational part of bus routes and not the “light running” element, Councillor Nerva also took the opportunity to outline his strong objections to the current process given, he pointed out, that bus operations would have a continued impact beyond a defined route and in this case had resulted in additional miles adversely impacting on and offering no benefits to local residents.  Given concerns relating to the way TfL and Metroline had been able to implement the changes without engagement or consultation with the Council and local residents, he supported the efforts being made to lobby for a change in approach relating to the way these type of changes were introduced as well as action in seeking a specific solution to the issues highlighted within the petition, working closely with Councillor Krupesh Hirani (as the Brent & Harrow London Assembly Member), local MP and TfL.

Responding in her capacity as local ward councillor for Harlesden and Kensal Green, Councillor Mili Patel also spoke to highlight her commitment to continue working with Councillor Krupa Sheth (as lead member) and other ward councillors to take the concerns raised by local residents forward in seeking to find a solution with TfL and Metroline.

In summing up and ending  consideration of the petition, Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council) also took the opportunity to thank Connor Woodman and the other residents present for attending the meeting in order to outline their concerns.  Recognising the impact in terms of the issues highlighted on the health and wellbeing of local residents and their families, a commitment was made to continue working for a solution involving not only TfL and the bus operator Metroline but also the London Assembly Member, which would include lobbying to restrict the timing of buses using the roads for access at early or late hours and review of traffic management arrangements.  This, along with the measures outlined by the Cabinet Member for Public Realm and Enforcement would also be supported through a proposed site visit to understand the issues and anxieties of residents more fully, with the Leader once again assuring petitioners that their concerns would be taken seriously in seeking a solution with all relevant stakeholders.

5.1     Use of Liddel & Doyle Gardens by Metroline buses as access from Kensal Rise to Willesden Bus Garage

Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council) welcomed Connor Woodman (representing the Liddell Gardens Residents Association and residents living along Liddell Gardens, Doyle Gardens & College Road) to the meeting who he advised was attending to present a petition containing over 50 signatures relating to concerns and the negative impact arising from changes in operation of the 28 and 187 bus routes along Liddel & Doyle Gardens.  The petitioners were calling on the Council to intervene on behalf of local residents by lobbying TfL and Metroline about the need to consider alternative solutions and rerouting of the services.

In thanking the Leader of the Council for the opportunity to present the petition, Connor Woodman began by highlighting the impact the changes in the 28 and 187 bus routes were having on residents along Liddell Gardens, Doyle Gardens & College Road in terms of their quality of life and property condition which, he advised, had been raised on numerous occasions via email with representative of the Council, TfL and Metroline.  Despite highlighting these issues, members were advised no action had been taken to date to alleviate the concerns outlined.

To support the concerns being raised, Mr Woodman advised that residents had commissioned (at their own cost) independent surveys that demonstrated the impact the change in bus routes were having locally.  The first survey, from an independent specialist (KP Acoustics) had assessed the potential impact of vibrations in terms of disruption to residents and physical damage to their properties.  This had found evidence of property damage linked to use of the roads by buses, supported by video footage taken over two 24 hour periods.  Referring to the outcome of the survey members were advised that over a 24-hour period in April 2025, 40 examples had been recorded of the vibrations caused by passing buses exceeding British Standard  BS22581 (described as being at a level were “disruption would likely cause complaint”).  As a further concern, it was reported that on five occasions over the same period the vibrations from passing buses on Liddell Gardens had been recorded as exceeding the level at which they could be expected to cause structural damage in unreinforced buildings, which he highlighted would include all properties along the streets identified.

In referring to the second survey, Mr Woodman advised this had been commissioned to assess the perceived impact on local residents arising from the use of the roads by buses as an access route.  Based on the responses received to date, the findings had identified 64% of parents reporting that their children were being woken each night by the buses, which he highlighted would also have an effect on each families health and wellbeing, as well as 96% of households with vulnerable residents having experienced property damage or disruption to their lives they felt ‘powerless’ to prevent.  As specific examples, individual testimonies were provided from a 70-year-old resident, highlighting how the buses kept her awake each night as well as from the parent of a newborn baby outlining damage to their property (in the form of cracks appearing in their walls) since the services had been rerouted and the newly introduced and much heavier electric bus fleet had been introduced on the 128 route.  This had been supported by other residents advising of damage to woodwork, paintwork and plaster in their properties.

In seeking a way forward, Mr Woodman identified the need for immediate action to address the disruption and nuisance being caused.  Residents felt this needed to include an immediate halt to all bus activity on Liddell & Doyle Gardens pending a full assessment of the damage already caused and a permanent solution being found.  In terms of potential solutions, residents had proposed the removal of speed humps on the road, which it was felt were amplifying the vibrations, and their replacement with an alternative form of traffic calming and speed reduction measures.  They were also calling for bus operations to be permanently limited during the early morning and late night schedule to prevent empty buses using Liddell & Doyle Gardens as access to Willesden Bus Garage rather than the main roads.  Highlighting that neither Liddell Gardens or Doyle Gardens had been constructed to include a reinforced concrete sublayer, as had been the case with main roads in the area (such as Harrow Road and Chamberlayne Road) residents felt that their roads either needed to be reinforced to a similar standard or the buses rerouted permanently to roads that were of suitable construction.

In closing his presentation, Connor Woodman advised Cabinet that whilst residents were not opposed to public transport and supported the drive for greener transport solutions they were concerned to ensure a fair balance was achieved with introduction of the newer and heavier electric buses matched by the necessary infrastructure and neither Liddell or Doyle Gardens identified as suitable for the type of journeys or buses using them for access.  As a result, he ended by advising that the petitioners were calling upon the Council to review the evidence provided and work with them, TfL and the bus operator to find a permanent, practical and sustainable solution that would provide those residents affected some respite.  This was supported by a request for a single point of contact within the Council to be identified moving forward with authority to effect change given the strength of local feeling in the area and need identified to find an immediate and permanent solution.

In response, Councillor Krupa Sheth (as Cabinet Member for Public Realm and Enforcement) thanked Connor Woodman and other residents present for attending Cabinet to ensure the views of those living on Liddell Gardens and Doyle Gardens were represented.  Confirmation was provided that members had received the emails from residents outlining their concerns and understood the frustrations expressed about the issues and ongoing problems being faced, with an assurance provided of the Council’s commitment to working with TfL and Metroline to find a workable solution.  Councillor Krupa Sheth felt it important to highlight that the Council had previously lobbied TfL and Metroline seeking changes to the running arrangements for route 28, including a request that they explore alternative routes avoiding predominantly residential roads such as Liddell Gardens and Doyle Gardens, which unfortunately had not been successful due to various operational, legislative and financial reasons identified by Metroline as the bus operator.  Whilst recognising the disappointment at this outcome, an assurance was provided that the Council remained committed to exploring other alternative options to mitigate against the concerns highlighted.  These included seeking a commitment (backed up by relevant enforcement activity) to ensure Metroline drivers adhered to the 20mph speed limit along Liddel and Doyle Gardens and drove more considerately when navigating the traffic calming measures.  As further assurance residents were advised that Liddell Gardens had also been included for consideration within the programme for resurfacing works, which it was hoped would improve conditions and reduce some of the disruption experienced. In response to the request for a dedicated liaison officer, Councillor Krupa Sheth confirmed that would be also actioned moving forward.

The Leader then invited Councillor Neil Nerva to speak (as a local Queens Park ward councillor) who, having visited the area, advised he fully supported the concerns being raised by local residents.  Whilst supportive of the move to an electric bus fleet, it was recognised that the buses being introduced were much heavier with associated consequences on roads in use along the routes, which he was keen to ensure the operators were required to assess and review given the impact on local residents and the surrounding infrastructure and properties.  Similarly, he took the opportunity to highlight his concern at the use of Liddell & Doyle Gardens for the running of empty buses (particularly during the early hours of the morning and late at night) in order to access Willesden Bus Garage, which it was pointed out had arisen as a result of contractual changes in the operation of the 28 route involving relocation of the terminal from Westbourne Park to Willesden Bus Garage.  In highlighting that TfL was only required to consult on changes to the operational part of bus routes and not the “light running” element, Councillor Nerva also took the opportunity to outline his strong objections to the current process given, he pointed out, that bus operations would have a continued impact beyond a defined route and in this case had resulted in additional miles adversely impacting on, and offering no benefits to local residents.  Given concerns relating to the way TfL and Metroline had been able to implement the changes without engagement or consultation with the Council and local residents, he supported the efforts being made to lobby for a change in approach relating to the way these type of changes were introduced as well as action in seeking a specific solution to the issues highlighted within the petition, working closely with Councillor Krupesh Hirani (as the Brent & Harrow London Assembly Member), local MP and TfL.

Responding in her capacity as local ward councillor for Harlesden and Kensal Green, Councillor Mili Patel also spoke to highlight her commitment to continue working with Councillor Krupa Sheth (as lead member) and other ward councillors to take the concerns raised by local residents forward in seeking to find a solution with TfL and Metroline.

In bringing the item to close, Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council) also took the opportunity to thank Connor Woodman and the other residents present for attending the meeting in order to outline their concerns.  Recognising the impact in terms of the issues highlighted on the health and wellbeing of local residents and their families, a commitment was made to continue working for a solution involving not only TfL and the bus operator Metroline but also the London Assembly Member, which would include lobbying to restrict the timing of buses using the roads for access at early or late hours and review of traffic management arrangements.  This, along with the measures outlined by the Cabinet Member for Public Realm and Enforcement would also be supported through a proposed site visit to understand the issues and anxieties of residents more fully, with the Leader once again assuring petitioners that their concerns would be taken seriously in seeking a solution with all relevant stakeholders.